Hundreds of Flags Fill Pittsfield's Park Square as Rotary Revives Veterans Tribute
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For the next month, thousands of drivers commuting past Park Square will be hard-pressed to miss the hundreds of American flags filling the downtown landmark as part of the Rotary Club Park of Honor.
The initiative began at least a decade ago under the Kiwanis Club of Pittsfield but came to a halt after the local chapter disbanded, said Rotary Club of Pittsfield President Jim Bronson.
Some former Kiwanis Club members and local veterans groups helped the Rotary Club organize the event, he said.
Now, following a one-year hiatus, the Rotary Club of Pittsfield has revived the tradition, continuing its mission of honoring veterans while raising scholarship funds for their children and grandchildren, he said.
Most of the flags were sponsored by community members and organizations, with proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund for local children and grandchildren of veterans.
Rotarians installed the flags Saturday morning for the display, which runs through Dec. 1. Passing motorists honked their horns in support, while others stopped to thank the volunteers, Bronson said.
Being at the heart of Pittsfield, Park Square is not only well traveled by residents but also visitors using Route 7 and several roads at that junction, Bronson said.
"And it makes our downtown look even more beautiful when you drive up especially," he said.
Bronson estimated that the initiative has raised approximately $15,000 so far, with hopes of reaching $20,000 as flag sponsorships and donations continue through Friday. Sponsor a flag or donate to the club here.
The club spent roughly $5,000 organizing this year's display, including purchasing American-made flags, some carried over from previous years, Bronson said.
Bronson emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans for their willingness to put their lives on the line to protect the country and its freedoms.
That show of community support continued Monday morning as the Rotary Club officially launched the Park of Honor with an opening ceremony featuring remarks from state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Mayor Peter Marchetti, Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue and Pittsfield Veterans Services Director Mark Pompi.
The ceremony also included prayers led by the Rev. Stephen Dale, a color guard presentation, the playing of taps and a ceremonial rifle volley.
"It was just amazing to see all the people there and all the flags flying on this beautiful early November day," Bronson said.
The event started off by thanking the veterans and all their sacrifice, as the ol' saying goes "all gave some, and some gave all," he said.
Bronson also emphasized in a follow-up with iBerkshires.com, that honoring veterans also means recognizing the sacrifices made by their families, particularly those whose loved ones are deployed overseas.
Families, too, endure the uncertainty and fear that come with having a loved one serving in a combat zone.
"I can't imagine having your son or daughter deployed in a combat zone," he said, reflecting on the worry military families face. "What the families go through is quite something as well."
Tags: american flag, Rotary,
