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thedrifter
06-13-05, 06:05 AM
Flag Day honors Old Glory

By JENNIFER BABULSKY
Norwich Bulletin

KILLINGLY-- Tommy, Henry and Phil Mazzarella know what it means to honor the American flag.

All three fought in World War II with Tommy serving in the Marines, Henry in the Army and Phil in the Navy.

On Sunday, the brothers, clad in their respective uniforms, attended the Flag Day ceremony sponsored by the Danielson Lodge of Elks.

The brothers, along with dozens of other people in attendance, listened as members of the Elks spoke of the history and significance of the American flag, along with the importance of honoring one's country.

"It was very inspiring -- very nice," Phil Mazzarella said.

Tommy agreed.

"I think it's a wonderful thing," he said. "After all, the American flag is it."

Flag Day was first observed in 1877 on the 100th anniversary of the Continental Congress' adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

In that year, Congress asked that all public buildings fly the flag on June 14. The idea quickly caught on.

According to the University of Kansas' Valuing our Differences: Celebrating Diversity Web site, one early supporter was B.J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher who wanted June 14 to be known as Flag Birthday.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Flag Day as a national celebration. However, the holiday was not officially recognized until 1949 when President Harry Truman signed the National Flag Day Bill.

Decades later, people continue to celebrate America and its flag, including at Davis Park.

Town Council Vice Chairman Jack Burke, who is a former exalted ruler of the Danielson Elks, said the flag means different things to different people.

Burke said the flag is a reminder that freedom is not always free.

"9/11 changed all that and was a painful reminder that freedom comes with a cost," he said. "I remember the days and weeks afterward when flags were displayed from every bridge, car and home. It showed our patriotism and what we stood for."

While the terrorist attacks were more than three years ago, the sense of patriotism felt in the aftermath of them does not have to falter, Burke said.

"Never let that change," he said.

After the ceremony, the Elks took part in a Court of Honor ceremony honoring new Eagle Scout Ben Hutchins.

jbabulsk@norwich.gannett.com

Ellie