Celebrating Old Glory’s birthday never gets old — even after 237 years.
Hundreds of residents joined the Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band, Brooklyn Marine Corps League, and state Sen. Marty Golden (R–Marine Park) to celebrate the Star Spangled Banner and Army’s birthdays in Marine Park on June 10.
“Under the banner of the greatest flag in the world, the flag of the United States of America, we say thank you to our military,” Golden told the crowd of 300-plus patriots. “Today we are the best of Brooklyn, of New York City, and of America.”
Gulf War veteran Joseph Tiralongo said the free outdoor concert and party was a reminder that vets’ sacrifices are appreciated.
“The community appreciates what we did for them,” said Tiralongo, a Gravesend resident and senior vice-commandant of the borough’s Marine Corps League, which provided a color guard for the ceremony. “Everyone made us feel proud that we served.”
The event was held four days before the official anniversary marking the date that the Founding Fathers adopted the flag on June 14, 1777. The history-making moment, now known as Flag Day, coincides with the adoption of the Continental Army in 1775.
It wasn’t the first time that Golden’s stood up for the Stars and Stripes.
When thieves swiped American flags from the front of three Bay Ridge homes, Golden spent $45 of his own money to replace them.
Reach reporter Daniel Bush at dbush@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-8310. Follow him at twitter.com/dan_bush.
