Symbol of strength
Flag Day ceremony honors Stars and Stripes Whether referred to as the Stars and Stripes or as Old Glory, the American flag and what it represents – peace, honor, truth, justice and freedom – have remained unchanged throughout the years.
Allan Q. Jones, a Dunbar Township resident who served as past state commander of the VFW, was the keynote speaker at Hopwood’s annual Flag Day ceremony Monday in celebration of the red, white and blue.
“Americans have long looked to the flag for reassurance and strength during times of trouble,” Jones said, adding that the flag represents all that is good about the United States.
Jones said freedom starts in our hearts and homes, and that the flag represents hope and freedom, the ideals of our nation.
“We are the most-enduring free nation,” he said.
Jones commended John Petro, Flag Day chairman, and participant Albert Botti for organizing the event. This marks the ninth year the village has come together on June 14 in recognition of Flag Day.
Jones also commended those who took time out of their evening to attend the celebration.
“There are few communities around anymore who do this,” he said.
During opening remarks, Botti gave a brief history of the United States and read a poem.
“This nation is made up of heroes,” he said.
Petro presented a history of the American flag, and 10 different flags the country has had through the years were displayed.
George Washington, according to legend, commissioned Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross to create a flag for the United State in 1776. Since then, there have been 27 versions of the flag over the years. The current version of the flag dates back to July 4, 1960, when Hawaii became the 50th state.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 47 Cmdr. Pete Porecca gave a history of the prestigious band, which has performed for four U.S. presidents and has marched in numerous parades and participated in concerts across the nation.
The VFW band took the stage following Monday’s ceremony and performed a medley of patriotic music.