Despite the overcast skies and hints of rain, the American flag shone brilliantly at Walden’s Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, June 10 during the village’s annual flag ceremony, where residents paid tribute to their country’s defining symbol.

The ceremony opened with color guards from American Legion Post 0158, VFW Post 2946, AM Vets Post 2946, and the Valley Central Vikings JROTC, followed by a prayer from Nathaniel Winum, a Veterans Memorial Park Committee member. The Valley Central Pep Band, led by Daniel Walker, performed a few songs throughout the event, including a military medley, the National Anthem, and “God Bless America.”

Keither Hunter, a member of Walden Rotary, served as master of ceremonies and provided a brief history of the American Flag, explaining its creation and what each color represents.

“The Continental Congress adopted a resolution establishing a flag for the new nation on June 14, 1777, almost one year after the Declaration of Independence,” Hunter said. “The resolution specified 13 alternating red-and-white stripes and 13 stars on a blue field, representing the 13 original colonies that declared independence.”

“The colors are symbolic: red is for courage, as the early settlers fought for freedom from England. White is for innocence and purity, a place for freedom without corruption and injustice,” he continued. “Blue is for perseverance, for the steadfastness to stay strong, stay vigilant, and be united against those who wish to harm us.”

John Ramos, Walden’s mayor, led the pledge of allegiance with the village trustees and emphasized Flag Day’s significance for both veterans and active duty personnel.

“Thank you one and all for stopping by on an overcast Sunday, though it’s never overcast when the flag is flying above us. Who would’ve known that a piece of fabric within our history has such an impact on our lives,” Ramos said. “The resiliency of our country every day poses not only the heartfelt thanks of our soldiers that sacrifice themselves in battle but today, where we have theaters of operations with military members currently fighting.”

A few Boy Scouts from Troop 33 then demonstrated a flag-folding procedure as Scoutmaster Gabe Gonzales explained what each fold symbolizes. Following the procedure, a few officials expressed their gratitude for the American flag and Walden’s ceremony.

“I just want to thank everyone for the invitation to be here, and on behalf of the supervisor and town board, I’m really happy to be here today,” said Lauren Rowley, the clerk to the Town of Montgomery supervisor. “I’m happy to be here to honor a symbol that has grown and developed with our country that represents democracy, justice, and freedom, and is with us through sad times but also times of great joy and triumph.”

“The flag is a representation of all of us, who we are as a nation, as people, and as individuals,” said Mike Anagnostakis, Orange County Legislator for District 17. “Sometimes, people, will tell you ‘Why are you celebrating the flag? There’s nothing special about it. All nations are the same and all flags are the same.’ I ask you not to believe any of that.”

“I can tell you that the flag is more than a symbol, as all of us know,” said Dain Pascocello, Senator Rob Rolison’s chief of staff. “It is a living embodiment of our unity, creativity, and our commitment to justice and equality. This is just a small example of our acknowledgment of this living embodiment, but it is a necessary one.”

Nat Winum then read an essay written by Caitlyn Yeaple, a Valley Central student who won this year’s “God Bless America” Scholarship. Yeaple was unable to attend the ceremony due to work commitments.

“Patriotism, to me, is the deeply ingrained appreciation and love for one’s country, rooted in a profound sense of duty, pride, and devotion,” Winum read from Yeaple’s essay. “It goes beyond the mere allegiance to the flag; it is a commitment to upholding the ideals and values upon which the nation founded.”

The ceremony concluded with a closing benediction from Winum, followed by light refreshments and several photo shoots with the park’s American flag.