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
The Flag Day “guest of honor” is billowed by the breeze.
Tireless organizer Anthony DiSalvo takes to the podium, joined by state Rep. Rick Mirabito.
A star-spangled biker
A veteran holds high the symbol of his service.
A spirited wave
Thirteen folds into a tight triangle: Military personnel crisply demonstrate the proper way to fold the flag.
Four-legged friends were welcome, too.
Scout troops were in abundance.
Marchers look to the high-flying icon overhead.
Flower beds along Hagan Way add a tad more color to the night’s red, white and blue.
A face of America’s future
The Repasz Band, the oldest continuous nonmilitary band in the country, performs outside the SASC.
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
Adorned for the occasion
A civic duty, well-performed
Marchers gather on the lawn near the campus entrance off Maynard Street.
The color guard arrives
A proud participant
A sun-kissed crowd spills onto Hagan Way.
At the end of a long march, a Cub Scout savors his reward.
A focus on the flag
“United We Stand,” a framed photo montage by Fred Gilmour, “alongside” its inspiration
A finger-food treat
Bedecked and beaded, a parade participant intently follows the proceedings.
The view from above
A multigenerational celebration
Horns a-plenty
Tightly grasping the situation, a youngster assesses events from ground level.
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).
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.
Enjoying a traditional treat
A colorful display of patriotism
Late-evening sunshine makes one more splash as twilight nears.
Hands over heart, the crowds joins a nationwide “Pledge.”
Perched atop a 120-foot pole, the community flag at the Penn College entrance is visible from a number of local vantage points.
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