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OLD GLORY TO FLY OVER HISTORIC INDEPENDENCE HALL
Philadelphia marks half-way point of historic cross-country journey
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2008—To mark the half-way point in its historic cross-country journey, Old Glory will fly over Philadelphia’s Independence Hall at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 31. The public is invited to this historic tribute to our military men and women, as Old Glory continues its Journey of Remembrance from the USS Arizona Memorial to Capitol Hill in Washington.
Philadelphia-area Pearl Harbor survivors will be on hand for the event, as well as the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard. Carmella LaSpada, Director of the White House Commission on Remembrance and Gerald Hawk, Commander of AMVETS Department of Pennsylvania will deliver comments during the ceremony. Overseeing the event will be classic representations of the founding fathers. Ben Franklin will serve as the master of ceremonies for the morning’s program and George Washington will deliver the salute to veterans.
“Flying this flag is a symbolic gesture through which all Americans can reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served,” said Hawk. “AMVETS is proud to raise Old Glory in Philadelphia to mark the half-way point of this historic tour.”
Independence Hall is the centerpiece of Independence National Park in the heart of Philadelphia. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both signed at the historic building, which also housed the Second Continental Congress leading up to the American Revolution.
AMVETS is working with the White House Commission on Remembrance to promote Old Glory’s Journey of Remembrance. The journey is six-month tour of the United States counting down to the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day, when Old Glory will fly over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington.
“Each stop on this countdown is a way for Americans to remember exactly what our men and women in uniform have fought for throughout our history,” said AMVETS National Cmdr. John P. “JP” Brown III. “AMVETS is proud to be working with the (White House) commission to make this possible, especially with our close ties to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.”
Old Glory’s journey began on Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7 when the flag flew over the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii. Other historic sites on the journey include Fort McHenry, Palo Alto Battlefield, Chalmette, Gettysburg, Appomattox Courthouse, and Arlington National Cemetery.
About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org. |
Media Contact:
National
Publications Editor
Jay Agg
(301)-683-4035
jagg@amvets.org
National
Media Specialist
Ryan Gallucci
(301)683-4073
rgallucci@amvets.org
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