WAKEFIELD – Rain forced last Friday’s Flag Day ceremonies indoors, but the Americal Civic Center proved a fittingly patriotic alternative venue to Veterans Memorial Common.
The event was presented by American Legion Post 63, with help from the Scouts from Troop 701. A key element of the annual event is a flag disposal ceremony, where flags in poor condition are properly retired.
State Rep. Donald Wong offered brief remarks and the American Legion’s Bill Walsh presented a brief history of the flag.
Town Councilor Edward Dombroski also spoke at Friday’s event.
“Today is a day for us to pause and reflect on a ubiquitous part of our country’s identity, one that we so often take for granted,” Dombroski said. “Simple pieces of fabric stitched together, the American flag gets its origins from a vote of the Second Continental Congress, on this day in 1777. When you think about it, the concept is really quite basic — 13 stripes representing as many of the original colonies, and a star to represent each state of our great union. Now, over time the number of stars has increased, as we have grown as a nation, but this item that our forefathers envisioned as a symbol of our nation is as relevant today as it was nearly two and a half centuries ago.”
Dombroski talked about how the American flag has been witness to so much history.
“In times of war, the American flag has been found on the battlefield and has come to symbolize the selflessness and perseverance of America’s bravest,” he said.
“The iconic image from our nation’s 1969 landing on the moon prominently features the stars and stripes, serving as a reminder that with a determined spirit, anything is possible,” Dombroski continued. “In the aftermath of one of our country’s darkest days, the September 11, 2001 attacks, the American flag stood to represent our unwavering resolve and commitment as one nation under God.
“While our country may find itself divided today, especially politically and on social issues, we can also find great hope in the common bonds that unite us as Americans,” Dombroski added.
“There is perhaps no better unifying or inclusive symbol of our great nation than our beloved stars and stripes. The American flag transcends age, race, creed, religion, color, gender, economic status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, profession, geography, educational background, values, and beliefs. The American flag unites us all together, as one people, part of a perfectly imperfect nation, the greatest country society has ever known.”
Dombroski also recognized the many generations of brave men and women, including those veterans present at the Flag Day event, who have served, fighting under the stars and stripes to preserve and protect the very rights and liberties the flag represents.
“Let today serve as a time for renewed appreciation and respect for a symbol, adopted some 247 years ago today, that has as much meaning now as it did way back then,” Dombroski said. “A symbol that can give us all a sense of pride and purpose and remind us not of our differences, but rather of our common bonds – united as one great nation, united as Americans.”
FRIDAY’S FLAG DAY ceremonies were held at the Americal Civic Center. (Ed Dombroski Photo)
