Shriner Clifton Pryor

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

April 3, 2000 9 PM

For years, Troy Shriner Clifton Pryor has wanted to see a flag pole erected on the site of the Pike County Fairgrounds, the home of the Troy Shrine Club.

Shriners are patriots and they pledge strong allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Pryor thought their meetings should be held in the shadow of this nation’s flag. He was not alone in that belief. Every member of the Troy Shrine Club thought the flag should fly at the fairgrounds.

On Saturday, that dream became a reality for the Shriners.

Not only did they raise the Stars and Stripes, they also raised flags of the State of Alabama and the Shriner’s flag. The POW/MIA flag is of utmost importance to the Shriners, and that flag was also raised – "lest we forget."

The flag display was erected in honor of Noble Clifton T. Pryor for his tireless efforts in helping to make this project become a reality, said Past Potentate Ed Moore.

Moore said Pryor has been a member of the Shriners since 1967 and has served unselfishly and with great pride.

"God made man to serve His purpose and Shriners look beyond self to serve the needs of others," Moore said. "This flag display represents the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have served the needs of others during times of peace and times of war."

Moore called Shriners "patriots with a willingness to serve."

"We cherish the independence we enjoy because of personal sacrifices that have been made for our freedoms," he said. "We honor our God, our country and our families and we have an eternal affection for one another."

Moore said all Shriners are committed to service through the support of the Shriner’s Hospitals. Those who see the good works of these hospitals should recognize that those who support them are among some of "the best citizens of this country," he said.

Pryor expressed his appreciation to the Troy Shrine Club for honoring him. However, he was quick to say that it was the combined effort of all members of the Troy Shrine Club and local business persons who supported the project.

"A lot of people were involved in this and I’m honored to have my name mentioned but I don’t think I deserve to be," he said. "This is something we all wanted and something we all worked toward. I am honored and humbled."

And, as the old adage says, behind every good man there stands a woman. Pryor is no exception. His wife Betty has supported him in is work with the Shriners for 30 plus years and she also worked along with him – often behind the scenes with the wives of other Shriners.

Lady Mary Moore presented Mrs. Pryor with a gift of flowers in appreciation of her dedication and long-time commitment to the Troy Shrine Club.

"Betty has always been in the kitchen working to make sure everything goes as planned," Mrs. Moore said. "This year, we want to honor Betty by letting us serve her. We are looking forward to doing just that."