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06/16/2016 05:23 PMA collaboration between Northford and North Branford Women's Clubs and local veterans brought together a fitting group of local dignitaries and representatives of veterans groups, emergency services, Boy Scouts and residents for a moving "Remember Our Veterans" Flag Ceremony outside Town Hall on June 14, National Flag Day.
On Sunday June 12, members of the women's clubs placed 125 small American flags at the base of the main flag pole on the town hall campus in advance of the June 14 ceremony. The majority of the flags represent a local loved one thoughtfully recognized by family and friends for their military service, past or present. Each 12" x 18" flag has a white ribbon attached, inscribed with the name and rank of the honored soldier or loved one.
The women's clubs received a big assist in building the field of flags from local Boy Scout Troops 453 and 463 as well as the committee which organized the June 14 ceremony, led by North Branford Air Force veteran Chuck Larkins with North Branford's VFW Post 8294's Joe Anderson and Milford American Legion Post 196's Ken Grant.
Larkins thanked all who came out to participate on June 14 and especially thanked all of the members of Town Council for attending and "getting behind this event," said Larkins.
North Branford musician Spencer Wilson sang the National Anthem and later in the ceremony played Taps on bugle. Members of Boy Scouts Troops 453 and 463 stood behind members of the North Branford Police Honor Guard who presented state and national flags during the ceremony and later, marched off to Retire the Colors, led by North Branford Fire Chief William Seward III on bagpipes.
Town Council members attended the 7 p.m. ceremony. Councilwomen Rose Marie Angeloni and Marie Diamond joined the event's small group of speakers, with both thanking the organizers for their efforts.
"Flag Day has taken on a new meaning for me, as my youngest son, Michael, is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force and is stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha," Angeloni shared. "He recently has been assigned to the Honor Guard, where the flag plays an integral part in his duties."
Angeloni shared a bit of the history surrounding National Flag Day and some information she'd learned from her son through his duties, including the fact that the 12 folds made to properly fold an American Flag each represent an important tribute that ties back to tenets involving honor, duty, country and more.
Diamond read a poem, "Heroes" written by an audience member, Val Ferro of Northford.
Northford Women's Club's Carla Dextraze thanked the town and those involved in the project for their help and support. She spoke about the field of small American flags filling the lawn outside Town Hall.
"There are 125 flags displayed and they represent veterans past and those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Some flags are for those that have served in public capacities in their communities or in honor of them. What a sacrifice they have made to keep us free and safe. We cannot thank them enough," said Dextraze.
The women's clubs raised $1,250 ($10 per flag) in donations that will be given to veterans organizations. The clubs shared the costs to pay for flag supplies so that 100 percent of the donations will go directly to veterans, Dextraze said.
"I'd just like to add that I also received many notes of thanks for doing this project," she said. "Some were notes along with donations, and some were folks who took the time out to call me on the telephone and say, 'Thank you for doing the project; and thank you for honoring our vets."
Larkins thanked everyone who assisted, came out to attend or participate in the ceremony, or contributed to help raise funds for veterans and to remember them for their service. The 125 flags will remain in place in front of Town Hall through July 4 and will be available for their donors to collect as a keepsake on July 5. The remaining flags will be held inside Town Hall for a few additional days for any who may not be able to come by to pick up their flag on July 5.