Renamed in memoriam, Flag March again capped by campus celebration

Published 06.15.2019

News
The Gallery at Penn College

The 36th annual Anthony DiSalvo Flags Across America March, reborn in tribute to its late founder and christened with a cool breeze and ample sunshine, traveled Friday evening from nearby Nichols Place to the 60-by-30-foot “Old Glory” that adorns Penn College's main entrance. During a ceremony outside the Student & Administrative Services Center, participants joined in a national recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at 7 p.m., listened to stirring patriotic music, honored the veterans among them, and heard from elected officials and Scouting leaders. Trophies were presented in a number of categories, carrying on a tradition begun by DiSalvo – celebrated as a "veteran, a patriot and a Boy Scout" – and the crowd enjoyed hot dogs and bottled water at the proceedings' close.


– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday




 

 Under ideal conditions repeatedly attributed to DiSalvo's guiding spirit, the college's landmark flag flutters in a gentle evening wind.

Under ideal conditions repeatedly attributed to DiSalvo's guiding spirit, the college's landmark flag flutters in a gentle evening wind.

Williamsport's Repasz Band, founded in 1831 and present at the Appomattox surrender more than three decades later, regales the crowd with an extensive repertoire.

Williamsport's Repasz Band, founded in 1831 and present at the Appomattox surrender more than three decades later, regales the crowd with an extensive repertoire.

Scouts lead the procession with a banner reflecting the event's new name.

Scouts lead the procession with a banner reflecting the event's new name.

Young Oliver Duitch waves from his star-spangled conveyance ...

Young Oliver Duitch waves from his star-spangled conveyance ...

Pitch Please harmonizes in a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem.

Pitch Please harmonizes in a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem.

Members of Troop 38B and 38G, from the Church of St. Ann, fold the flag as master of ceremonies William P. Carlucci explained each symbolic step in the process.

Members of Troop 38B and 38G, from the Church of St. Ann, fold the flag as master of ceremonies William P. Carlucci explained each symbolic step in the process.

Appreciative DiSalvo representatives (honored with the Largest Family Group trophy, but too humble to accept it) are front and center on a picture-perfect night.

Appreciative DiSalvo representatives (honored with the Largest Family Group trophy, but too humble to accept it) are front and center on a picture-perfect night.

Newly elected U.S. Rep. Fred Keller (R-Middleburg) was among those offering remarks. Also on the dais were Lycoming County Commissioners R. Jack McKernan, Tony R. Mussare and Rick Mirabito; and Williamsport Mayor Gabriel K. Campana.

Newly elected U.S. Rep. Fred Keller (R-Middleburg) was among those offering remarks. Also on the dais were Lycoming County Commissioners R. Jack McKernan, Tony R. Mussare and Rick Mirabito; and Williamsport Mayor Gabriel K. Campana.

Dr. Joseph English, a Navy veteran and longtime local physician, honors the flag outside the SASC. English and DiSalvo, friends since their teens, are the only two local Eagle Scouts to receive national distinction.

Dr. Joseph English, a Navy veteran and longtime local physician, honors the flag outside the SASC. English and DiSalvo, friends since their teens, are the only two local Eagle Scouts to receive national distinction.

DiSalvo's widow, Kathleen, expresses her family's gratitude – and urges everyone to return next year. With her is Scouting's Bob Weaver, chair of the march.

DiSalvo's widow, Kathleen, expresses her family's gratitude – and urges everyone to return next year. With her is Scouting's Bob Weaver, chair of the march.

Moonrise in the southeastern sky signals the end of another Flag Day observance.

Moonrise in the southeastern sky signals the end of another Flag Day observance.

... en route to winning a trophy with Mom Heather for the Best Patriotic Costume.

... en route to winning a trophy with Mom Heather for the Best Patriotic Costume.