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"Old Glory's Journey of Remembrance" Came To Put-in-Bay |
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Wednesday, 26 March 2008 |
Put-in-Bay, OH - On a cold March 24th, "Old Glory," an American flag previously flown over the USS Arizona Memorial on Dec. 7, 2007, was raised with ceremony over Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. During a light snow storm, 57 people were in attendance for a special flag raising ceremony, as part of the "Old Glory's Journey of Remembrance" to honor the service and sacrifice of America's fallen heroes. The event, organized by the White House Commission on Remembrance in cooperation with AMVETS and the National Park Service, sponsored the ceremony choosing Perry's Victory as the only location in Ohio that "Old Glory" would be flown. The flag's journey includes visiting 25 national cemeteries and historic battlefield locations enroute to Washington D.C.
To mark the event on Monday, a ceremony on the back steps of Perry's Victory visitor center included remarks by Superintendent Andy Ferguson and AMVET's State Commander, Rick Piscione with Tim Espich represented Governor Strickland. Mayor McCann of Put-in-Bay offered a proclamation. The National Anthem was sung by island resident Anne Parker, a Color Guard and 21-gun salute were provided by AMVETS, and Bob Bahney of American Legion Post 542 played Taps.
Ferguson told the crowd that Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is honored to be a part of Old Glory's Journey. The AMVETS organization chartered several planes bringing attendees to Put-in-Bay, as the Miller Ferry was still iced in and not yet operational for the season. Local islanders also showed their support in honor those who died at Peril Harbor and the sacrifices of countless Americans throughout our nation's history. Those in attendance said that it was a moving ceremony.
The "Old Glory" flag travels next to Independence Hall in Philadelphia and later to Appomattox Court House, Gettysburg and Fort McHenry. Old Glory will end its journey at the U.S. Capitol on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008, where it will take part in the National Moment of Remembrance ceremony.
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