Community Flag March Offers Renewed Tribute to 'Old Glory'

Despite an abbreviated program and attendance thinned by rain, Williamsport's 32nd annual God, Country and Community Flag March was held as planned Sunday night. The parade formed several blocks away at Nichols Place, eventually traveling onto the Penn College campus and ending under the 30-by-60-foot American flag outside the Student & Administrative Services Center. There, a 15-minute ceremony – including the national anthem; a cross-country recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance; and acknowledgment of Scout troops, veterans organizations and other patriots – celebrated the 238th birthday of America's high-flying, ever-waving symbol.

– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

 

Appropriately attired in red, white and blue, a young parade-goer stands at attention for the passing color guard.

Among the night's award-winners was Betsy Ross, portrayed by Donna Pepperman, of Loyalsock Township. The float, organized with Galen W. Seaman Sr. and the Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County, played patriotic music from loudspeakers as it passed through campus.

Unfazed by rain-slickened streets, residents of Williamsport Manor Apartments wheel their way to a trophy.

The college's 1,800-square-foot flag, which minutes before languished in the sticky and stagnant air, begins to flutter during a nationally simultaneous Pledge of Allegiance at the stroke of 7 p.m.

Among those welcoming attendees were Williamsport Mayor Gabriel J. Campana (at microphone) and Rick Mirabito, a former state representative and current candidate for Lycoming County commissioner.

Although inclement weather (including a tornado watch that expired a half-hour before the march formed near West Fourth and Campbell streets) affected turnout, enthusiastic participants still rallied 'round the flag.

Retired Lt. Col. Philip A. Petter (left), ambassador emeritus of the Army Reserves, and Anthony L. DiSalvo, founder of the God, Country and Community Flag March, await their turn at the podium ...

Pack 12, from St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in Williamsport, won the trophy as the best Scouting group in the march.

Stars, stripes and majestic bald eagles adorn a themed entry from the Michael Counsil family.

... where DiSalvo presented his annual "Tony" awards in a number of categories and made a plea that the march always be held on June 14 – no matter the day, no matter the weather.