Rally 'round the American flag with a moving ceremony designed to honor the United States' symbol of freedom and tradition. On Wednesday, June 14, the Pinellas County Veterans Services will host the Flag Day patriotic event beginning at 6:45 p.m.
The ceremony will be held at the War Veterans Memorial Park at the park's flagpole across from the Memorial Center in St. Petersburg.
The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets and Suncoast Air Squadron commanded by Chief Warrant Officer Henry Gomez will present and post the Colors. Denise Closterman will perform the Star Spangled Banner.
The centerpiece of the ceremony will be the guest speaker Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Cynthia A. Pritchett of the United States Army. She assumed duties as the Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan Command Sergeant Major from May 2004 until April of this year.
CSM Pritchett was the key advisor to the Commander, Combined Forces-Afghanistan on all matters concerning joint/combined force integration, utilization and sustainment of more than 20,000 United States and coalition forces . CMS Pritchett's long and illustrious military career since 1973 reveals her dedication to serving as a full-spectrum leader, from warrior to diplomat.
A proclamation will be read that commemorates the adoption of our flag. To cap the celebration, the Lealman Fire District's Community Emergency Response team (CERT) will provide refreshments.
The War Veterans Memorial park is located at 9600 Bay Pines Boulevard and is wheelchair accessible. Visitors are welcome to tour the park and enjoy its amenities while learning more about veterans' contribution to the American way of life.