Gladbrook ALA Juniors helping with the Flag Day Program on June 16 at Westbrook Acres include (l-r) Carlee Smith, Bryleigh Bartel, Kenzie Bartel, Kinley Miller, and Liby Bauer in front. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

GLADBROOK – The Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary and Jr. Auxiliary hosted a Community Flag Day Program at Westbrook Acres on June 16 with Juniors Carlee Smith and Kinley Miller passing out little American flags before the program began while pianist Marcia Wiese played several patriotic hymns.

Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Chairman Lisa Reinhard opened the program with the presentation of the American Flag and Unit flag by Bryleigh and Kenzie Bartel. Juniors Carlee Smith and Liby Bauer led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Reinhard stated, “Today we gather to recognize a special day in our country’s history. Flag Day is celebrated every year on June 14. This day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the American flag in 1777, when the Second Continental Congress declared that our flag would consist of 13 stripes, and 13 stars on a field of blue. The stars were arranged in a circle, showing all the colonies were equal. There are 27 different versions of the US flag with the flag being modified 26 times. The current 50 star version was adopted in July 1960, making it the longest used version of the US flag. As we celebrate today, let us take a moment to honor not just the stars and stripes themselves, but what they stand for and the people, like you, who have helped shape and protect the ideals behind them.”

Everyone present received a small token of the American flag like ones given to members of the Honor Flight. Lisa read, “I am part of an American flag. I lovingly flew over an Iowa home. I can no longer fly high and proud. I have become tired and worn but I have not been forgotten. You have not been forgotten. Carry this as a remembrance!”

Everyone enjoyed waving their little flags and singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “America the Beautiful.” Jr. Kinley Miller presented a new American flag to Westbrook Administrator Beth Brubaker.

Juniors leading the “Pledge of Allegiance.” CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

After the retirement of the flags, everyone joined hands and sang “God Bless America,” and then enjoyed an assortment of bars.

Kinley Miller presented the U.S. flag to Westbrook Administrator Beth Brubaker. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Chair Lisa Reinhard. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO