Remembering The Gentility And Tennessee Pride Of Douglas Henry

No one in the history of Tennessee served in its state legislature longer than Douglas Henry. The Democratic lawmaker represented West Nashville for nearly half a century. But that was just one of the ways Henry, who died Sunday night at age 90, showed his love for his native state.

There's a ritual that takes place at the start of every session of the Tennessee Senate.

"Three white stars on a field of blue," the pledge of allegiance begins — the pledge to the flag of Tennessee. "It is with pride and love that we salute the flag of Tennessee."

Sen. Henry pushed for this custom shortly before retiring from the state Senate in 2014. It was one of many ways Henry sought to honor Tennessee. Its culture. Its people. Its history.

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