Click to enlarge
"It chokes me up," he said. "Some of these guys have a rough time standing up even — but when it comes time to salute that flag, they're up, they're proud, and I think that says a lot."
Grand Haven honors Flag Day
Mon, Jun 15, 2009
BY ABBEY MOOREMike Lankes, member and chairman of the Elks Flag Day, committee was astounded at the number of veterans present on Sunday's Flag Day celebration.
Click to enlarge
"It chokes me up," he said. "Some of these guys have a rough time standing up even — but when it comes time to salute that flag, they're up, they're proud, and I think that says a lot."
An estimated 65 veterans gathered at Grand Haven's Waterfront Stadium on Sunday evening in honor of the 60th anniversary of Flag Day. The event was put on by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion to honor all World War II veterans from the area.
Decked in full uniform, 83-year-old World War II veteran Kenneth Kelly appreciated what the community provided for him and his fellow veterans.
"I can see where some of them have served during the war, and I find out that they served in locations where I have served," Kelly said. "We can reminisce a little about some of our activities."
A brief history of the flag and it's different transitions was presented by Bob Spelde, top officer for the Grand Haven Elks Lodge to educate and inform the guests of the event. Nine-year-old Boy Scout Isaac Molyneux helped hold each of the different flags while the history was being read.
Click to enlarge
"There's been a big price to pay to keep old glory flying," Lankes said.
A group picture of all the attending veterans was taken after the ceremony. The motorcycle engines of the American Legion Riders and Eagle Riders roared through Grand Haven as they escorted the veterans to the American Legion club for a light supper, courtesy of the Legion Riders.
Paul Kevelin of Grand Haven said he was proud to see so many people attending the event.
"They're all getting older and it's not a happy thing to see, but it's definitely a great thing to have an event for these people," Kevelin said. "I hope that the younger generation is able to shake the hand of a veteran some day and just understand what they've done. We are all standing there free because of them."
Click here to see the video of the festival: http://www.grandhaventribune.com/liveique/b_vid_front.bsp