One thing really mattered to John Perich when he helped get a park near Interstate 25 and University Boulevard named 20 years ago: That the flag pole in Veteran’s Park be situated so it could be seen as people approach from Gaylord Street.
Since then, he’s made sure the flag that flies there is always clean and well lit.
Perich, his daughter Meryl Webster and about 50 other people gathered this morning for American Legion Post 1’s eighth annual flag raising to celebrate Flag Day.
“This is the flag of our country, I served under those Colors,” said Ron Bishop, who organized the first Flag Day event at the park.
Flag Day, celebrated each June 14, marks the commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
During the event, Glen Stinson talked about the evolution of the stars and stripes, it’s current form adopted — albeit with just 48 stars — in 1912. “Today, we proudly served under the most beautiful flag in the world,” Stinson said.
Richard Bridge, who served as a tunnel rat during the Vietnam war, on Memorial Day received his Brass Star for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service recipient. He said he returned from war 43 years ago with a certificate noting his service, but never received the physical medal.
A member of Post 1 for six years, Bridge attended the Flag Day ceremony this morning and said the banner flying above his head in Denver represents freedom.
The legion post will follow up with a flag retirement ceremony at Veteran’s Park at 3 p.m. today with Cub Scouts from Troop 266.
The local chapters of Daughters of the American Revolution at 1 p.m. marked the holiday with the annual flag-raising on Flag Day at the top of Genesee Mountain.
They have performed this service each June 14th since 1911, according to Denver Mountain Parks.
This year the ceremony is hosted by the Peace Pipe chapter of the DAR.
To get to Genesee, go west on Interstate 70 to Exit 54 and take Genesee Trail Road.
