STANDING PROUD

Flag Day in Bessemer gives rise to new tradition

By VIRGINIA ROSS SHANK

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

BESSEMER, Pa. — As a World War II veteran and a member of the New Castle Area Honor Guard, Michael Ferraro has had numerous opportunities to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

But not every occasion has offered up the joy the former Navy medic experienced Sunday during the reinstalling of the American flag at the borough square in Bessemer.

Ferraro stood proud as he led about 100 people in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance after he and other honor-guard members performed the raising of the flag. The activities were part of Bessemer’s first official Flag Day observance.

“We, members of the guard, go to a lot of events, and it always brings back memories,” Ferraro said. “Especially when you have to go to the funerals. But something like this reminds you of what this country is all about and how grateful you are to be here and be part of all of this. When you’ve been there, in the service, in a war, and you’ve fought and lost friends and all, and you know the sacrifices firsthand that were made, you really understand what all of this means. You really appreciate those who have served and their families and what this country is all about. You really learn to love it all. It all just comes pouring back to you, the good and the bad.”

Robin Kirkwood, Bessemer Beautification Committee chairwoman, said the American flag had been absent from the square for several years “due to the actions of local vandals.”

“But her symbol is far more powerful than the hands of mischief, and today she will fly once again with pride and honor,” she added.

About two months ago, Kirkwood, who served as Sunday’s master of ceremonies, got the OK to beautify the square and organize the Flag Day event. The flagpole was repainted, and the beautification committee created a special garden for the occasion. Some 325 American flags, donated by the Mohawk Area School District’s parent-teacher organization, were placed at the site.

Borough council recently renamed the town square Old Glory Square, and Sunday, Lawrence County Commissioner Rick DeBlasio read a proclamation reinstalling the flag and announcing the new name of the borough square. The Pennsylvania flag was also raised along with the American flag.

Additionally, there was a ceremonial tribute to the Missing Man Table. Steve Pridon sang the national anthem and “God Bless America,” and Joseph Roseck played the bagpipes. Blessings were offered by the Rev. Nathan Leslie of Bessemer Presbyterian Church.

While several elected officials, including Pennsylvania Rep. Chris Sainato, U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, Bessemer Mayor William Martin and District Justice Jennifer Nicholson offered a few history lessons on the background of the American flag, 7-year-old Olivia Ferraro learned a few facts about her grandpa.

“I didn’t know his boat was destroyed and he was on a raft out at sea,” she said of Michael Ferraro. “But he came back alive, and I’m really proud of him. I was really proud when he said the Pledge of Allegiance. I was really proud when they put the flag up.”

Ferraro, a former Bessemer mayor and borough councilman, said he couldn’t be happier to see Old Glory waving above the square.

“That’s where she should be,” he said. “She should have never not been there. But now that she’s back, it’s a sight to truly appreciate. I’m honored I was allowed to participate in something so important, something so special. I’m grateful to see her here.”