Decades-Old Flag March Again Journeys to High-Flying Campus Landmark

Friday’s 30th annual God, Country and Community Flag March – a rain-or-shine event in which the latter brightly prevailed – traveled from downtown Williamsport to the 1,800-square-foot "Stars and Stripes" that flies above Penn College’s main entrance. Waving, wearing and celebrating Old Glory, participants clapped along with patriotic music, saluted active-duty and veteran servicemen and women, listened to community leaders, and joined in a Flag Day recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance designated nationally for 7 p.m. sharp. Awards were presented in a number of categories by Anthony DiSalvo, who has organized the flag march throughout its three-decade history, and the crowd enjoyed ice cream sandwiches on a picture-perfect weekend evening.

– Photos by Whitnie-Rae Mays, student photographer

 

 

 

Perched atop a 120-foot pole, the community flag at the Penn College entrance is visible from a number of local vantage points.

Flower beds along Hagan Way add a tad more color to the night's red, white and blue.

Spreading the Boy Scout motto, "Be prepared," to a parade-goer

Anthony DiSalvo and "Snuffy," the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Co.'s safety mascot

The color guard arrives

A proud participant

Marchers look to the high-flying icon overhead.

A star-spangled biker

Adorned for the occasion

Mementos, "a la cart."

A civic duty, well-performed

Scout troops were in abundance.

Marchers gather on the lawn near the campus entrance off Maynard Street.

A veteran holds high the symbol of his service.

Four-legged friends were welcome, too.

Horns a-plenty

The Repasz Band, the oldest continuous nonmilitary band in the country, performs outside the SASC.

Tireless organizer Anthony DiSalvo takes to the podium, joined by state Rep. Rick Mirabito.

Hands over heart, the crowds joins a nationwide "Pledge."

A multigenerational celebration

Anthony DiSalvo (seated) consults with master of ceremonies William Carlucci, president of the Susquehanna Council Boy Scouts of America.

Among the spectators is DiSalvo's sister, Marguerite Wollet (right).

Thirteen folds into a tight triangle: Military personnel crisply demonstrate the proper way to fold the flag.

Bedecked and beaded, a parade participant intently follows the proceedings.

Tightly grasping the situation, a youngster assesses events from ground level.

The view from above

A sun-kissed crowd spills onto Hagan Way.

A finger-food treat

A focus on the flag

Late-evening sunshine makes one more splash as twilight nears.

At the end of a long march, a Cub Scout savors his reward.

Enjoying a traditional treat

A colorful display of patriotism

As part of his own "Tony Awards," DiSalvo announces the evening's winners in various categories.

A trophy and ice cream compete for a girl's attention.

A face of America's future

A spirited wave

"United We Stand," a framed photo montage by Fred Gilmour, "alongside" its inspiration

The calm before the throng

The Flag Day "guest of honor" is billowed by the breeze.