SELMA — “The most important symbol of a great nation” was added Thursday afternoon to the Thomas R. Mackin American Legion Post No. 20 in western Selma during a brief ceremony.

Byrd Looper of Post No. 20, who presided over the flagpole dedication and flag raising, gave a history of the post’s Selma building on U.S. Highway 80.

The building was purchased in the 1950s after serving as a base of operations for the Alabama Highway Patrol. Since then improvements have included upgrading the three restrooms in the building and the walls.

“The most important upgrade is purely a patriotic upgrading of great importance,” Looper said. “The flag is the most important symbol of a great nation.”

Looper said the next addition to the flagpole will be a POW/MIA flag, which will fly below the United State flag.

Thomas Carlee unveiled the flag and raised it up the new flagpole during the ceremony. The Pledge of Allegiance was repeated, and “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung.

Among the state American Legion officials who attended the event were Jack Donovan of Prattville, the Third Division commander in Alabama; and Alex Summers of Selma, adjutant of Post No. 324 and 31st District commander.