From left, Mayor Manuel Figueiredo with Vickie Shear and Hope Carrega at the Flag Day event in Union.
UNION, NJ — It was an “America the Beautiful” celebration as residents and veterans gathered at the Union’s senior center on June 14 to celebrate Flag Day. The center was furnished in festive decorations in red, white and blue, and guests were treated to a stunning American flag sheet cake.
The event was attended by Mayor Manuel Figueiredo, along with veterans who served in World War II, Vietnam, and Korea. Figueiredo said that in light of current events, the flag takes on even more meaning. “It was an honor to be invited to the Tuesday Club at our senior center to celebrate Flag Day,” said Figueiredo. “In light of the recent events in our nation, this flag is ever more important as our symbol of hope as we begin the healing process.”
Vickie Shear, who chaired the event, said that she wanted to do something patriotic to celebrate the day. “I thought about doing something special,” said Shear. “It’s nice to do something patriotic.”
Phyllis Monguso, director of the senior center, said that the event was a great success. “The ceremony that the Tuesday Club prepared to honor the stars and stripes was so beautiful,” said Monguso. “It was delightful to see how important it is to our seniors as they respected and honored their country’s flag.”
Union resident Bea Giocobbe shared a story with the audience about Irving Berlin, who wrote “God Bless America.” The crowd was then treated to Kate Smith’s famous recording of the song.
Other participants shared stories about the Pledge of Allegiance, Flag Day, George Washington, and Betsy Ross. The program ended with John Phillips Sousa’s rendition of “Stars and stripes forever.”
The event was sponsored by the Tuesday Club of Union.
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.