Bessemer set to resurrect borough square tradition

By VIRGINIA ROSS SHANK

The Mohawk PTO donated 325 miniature American flags for the ceremony.

BESSEMER, Pa. — Robin Kirkwood said she has witnessed the countenance of the local community improving since she started working to bring the American flag back to its rightful place at the Bessemer Borough square.

About two months ago, Kirkwood, chairwoman of the Bessemer Beautification Committee, and committee member Jerry Snyder agreed it was time to renovate the area around the borough’s flagpole. Kirkwood and Snyder have been working steadily to get the square ready for a Flag Day program.

The problem, however, is that someone stole the American flag from the borough square several years ago, and it has never been replaced.

“It’s just been very sad that there’s been no flag at the square,” Kirkwood said.

But that’s about to change.

Kirkwood said the flag will fly again with honor and glory when it is raised during the borough’s first official national Flag Day observance Sunday.

The full military ceremony is set to start at 4 p.m. at the square. The event will feature a color guard, a firing detail and taps by the New Castle Area Honor Guard, including Mahoning Township resident Max Roseck.

A ceremonial tribute to the Missing Man Table also is planned. Additionally, Mike Ferraro, a World War II veteran and a former mayor and borough councilman, will lead the pledge to the flag. Steve Pridon will sing the national anthem and “God Bless America,” and Joseph Roseck will play the bagpipes. Blessings will be offered by the Rev. Nathan Leslie of Bessemer Presbyterian Church.

Citing the loss of 175 jobs because of the recent closing of the local cement plant, Kirkwood said the decision to observe Flag Day has made a noticeable difference among area residents.

“This community has had its hard times, but we are a resilient people that will continue to plan and be excited for our future,” she said. “This has lifted the spirits of the people of this community. It’s something positive they can be involved with. It gives people hope. What else does the American flag do but give us hope and remind us that we’re free?”

The flagpole has been repainted, and the beautification committee has created a special garden for the occasion. Some 325 American flags, donated by the Mohawk Area School District’s parent-teacher organization, have been placed at the site.

Also, borough council recently renamed the town square Old Glory Square, and the Lawrence County commissioners will be on hand to perform a proclamation ceremony to reinstall the flag and announce the new name of the borough square.

The Pennsylvania flag will be raised along with the American flag, Kirkwood said.

“We don’t want to pass up this opportunity because vandals took the flag,” Kirkwood said.

IF YOU GO

The Bessemer Flag Day Celebration will be at Bessemer Square.

kFrom Poland, take state Route 170 south toward New Middletown.

kTurn left (east) on Calla Road.

kAt the Pennsylvania line, Calla becomes Pa. Route 317, which runs right into Bessemer.

kTo find Bessemer Square, take South Main Street to First Covenant Drive.