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Flag Finally Flies Over Sweet BrookBy Justin Saldo - July 02, 2008
iBerkshires Intern
WILLIAMSTOWN — Veterans were honored Wednesday with the raising of a new flag at Sweet Brook Care Centers.
Legionnaire Edward Pratter spoke to the importance of the American flag, calling it "A ribbon of honor for those that have served our nation in peace and war."
Sweet Brook received the charitable gift of a new flag and pole from the Janet Upjohn Stearns Charitable Trust, which has annually donated $2,000 to Sweet Brook and provided the $4,000 necessary for covering the cost of the new flagpole and raising ceremony.
The trust was founded by the family of Janet W. Ley, who, with her husband, retired Army Lt. Col. Fred Ley, suggested using the donation for the flagpole and flag. The nursing home and rehabilitation center readily agreed with the Williamstown couple since it had neither a pole nor a flag.
 The 20-foot-odd pole was installed last week.
The flag was presented to Richard A. Ruether American Legion Post 152 honor guard to be raised in front of nearly 50 onlookers, including Fred Ley, Legionnaires, staff and residents.
Among them was a 93-year-old veteran of World War II, Earl Green, "who is always grateful to serve the legion in any capacity," said post Cmdr. George Sylvester, who spoke of the meaning of the flag. "The flag-raising ceremony is one of the many purposes the American Legion assumes in service to the public."
Legionnaire Fred Smith added, "We have all served our nation, as have a lot of members of this community, we as veterans are proud to fulfill this task."
Richard Palmisano, president and chief executive officer of Northern Berkshire Healthcare, Sweet Brook's parent company, and Administrator and Vice President of Continuing Care Services Susan Gancarz both commented on the importance of the new flag and pole as paying recognition to the many veterans at Sweet Brook and the greater community for the many sacrifices they made in service to the nation.
While the significance of the ceremony being so close to July 4 was not lost on the Sweet Brook staff Gancarz said the timing was "random coincidence."
 Fred Ley, left, Cmdr. George Sylvester and NBH President Richard Palmisano. |
"It is Sweet Brook's wish for all to enjoy and revere this gift, which reminds us of the freedoms we enjoy in the wonderful country called the United States of America," the dedication program stated.
For information on Sweet Brook or the new flag call Paul Hopkins, community relations director, at 413-664-5142. |
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