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Marine Corps League Objects to Political Co-Opting of Flag Day.
Posted on Friday, June 17 @ 12:18:50 EDT by jfbailey
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WPCNR MR. & MRS. & MS. WHITE PLAINS VOICE. June 17, 2005: Jim Mazzone, Sr. Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps League of White Plains clarifies that The Flag Ceremony held Tuesday was not a political even in two letters to The CitizeNetReporter t:
Dear John Bailey & Editor:
You covered the Flag Ceremony with a picture of Linda Dougherty and Larry Delgado. This was not a political event. This was a Veteran event and a more appropriate picture should have been used. We invited elected officials out of courtesy but they had nothing to do with the event. Under separate email, I have sent you a copy of the Program and a Copy of my Opening Remarks which recognizes the names of all military Veterans organ that sponsored the program. But, when you take the time to read the opening remarks you will notice our emphasis on the day being a Veteran & Patriot Day. Patriots as our Colonists are those who serve at home in harm's way to support our troops. We acknowledged that Flag Day is for all Americans who are Veterans of the Times such as law enforcement, fire fighters, ems, nurses etc. This is what should be in body and focus of your coverage. Not a political partisan one. Former Councilman Glen Hockley was chosen by us to be the EMCEE because to him goes the credit of floating the idea 3 years ago that White Plains should celebrate and commemorate this day. Since, he viewed this as not partisan, he asked me to continue this. We got all veterans organizations involved and they voted that Glen should be our EMCEE.
Regards,
Jim Mazzone
Sr. Vice Commandant
Marine Corps League
White Plains, NY
The CitizeNetReporter Replies: CNR published Doherty's release as a convenient way to recognize that Flag Day occurred in White Plains since CNR was unable to cover this important event in person. We apologize to any one who was offended by our using the Doherty-supplied account. It should be noted out though that Mr. Hockley is running for election for the Common Council.
John Bailey
Executive Editor
Dear John,
Your reference of the flag day ceremony in White Plains, NY on June 14 regarding Dougherty and Larry Delgado is entirely false. This event was put on by the Marine Corps League, White Plains,NY joined by several veteran organizations. It was not a political event and Dougherty and Larry Delgado had nothing to do with it except that Larry was invited along with the Mayor and other Council members out of courtesy. However, they sat in the audience because it was not a political event.
I organized this event with the founder who started it 3 years ago and that was Mr. Glen Hockley a former councilman. He was invited by us to be the emcee because of the fact that he is the founder of the event and deserves the credit for it. And, this fact was mentioned to the audience upon introducing Glen as the Emcee.
Since, you did not have someone cover the event you have no creditability to report on it. And, I am very surprised that you did.
I am enclosing my opening remarks which mentions the veteran organizations that joined with me to conduct it. Also, the Program. which you can see were all by veterans. We did have the White Plains Ceremonial Police Honor Guard and the W.P Fire Fighters Honor Guard and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard.
I would be pleased to discuss this with you further at your convenience and I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.
James V. Mazzone
Sr. Vice Commandant
Marine Corps League
White Plains, NY
THE CITIZENETREPORTER REPLIES: The report is not false. Note that in the Doherty-supplied article the photo caption ( the only part of the article which I wrote), states the event was sponsored by private sources and not the city. The press release was not published with any evil intent on CNR's part.
The copy of the photo cutline states, in part: The Flag Day Ceremony was privately sponsored, and not a city function, according to reports.
The residents of White Plains are not familiar with Ms. Doherty and I thought it was a news angle at the same time as recognizing that Flag Day is celebrated. I did not know Mr. Hockley emceed it. With respect towards the purpose and intent of Flag Day, The CitizeNetReporter reprints Mr. Mazzone's Opening Remarks:
June 14, 2005
FLAG DAY OPENING REMARKS
Welcome!
On behalf of the Marine Corps League, Westchester County Detachment, American Legion Post #135, White Plains, NY, Vietnam Veterans of America, Westchester County, Disabled American Veterans & Jewish War Veterans, thank you for joining with us for this Veterans & Patriot Event.
The purpose of gathering today is for our great city of White Plains to commemorate FLAG DAY. This is an important day because our historical Core American Values are represented in the Stars and Stripes. Let us, at this time, reflect on our flag and its meaning.
- On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the First Flag Act. They decided that the flag would have 13 stripes—7 red and 6 white- representing the 13 original colonies; that, they would use white stars to represent each colony or state and that they would be bound together on a blue background, representing the sky or quoting from the act “a new constellation.” As you know, over the years as each new state joined the United States, another star was added. We have rearranged the stars over the years, but never the stripes. The red stripes denotes the color of the mother country and the white stripes denotes our separation from her and our liberty. As Wilber Nesbitt wrote in “Your Flag & My Flag” Rose Red and Blood Red, Snow White and Soul White, Sky Blue and True Blue, the stars gleam, a shelter thru the night.”
- The idea of an annual day, specifically, celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. It is credited to BJ Cigrand, a school teacher in Wisconsin. For years, he enthusiastically advocated the observance of June 14 as Flag Day.
- Inspired by decades of local and state celebrations, Flag Day was officially established by a Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916.
- However, it was not until August 3d, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
Our flag was born out of strife and it was no lack of forethought that President Wilson chose Memorial Day and WWI to officially establish this holiday.
Our flag, the Stars & Stripes stands for liberty, and the American Way of democracy, equality and justice; that, our governments would be “of, by and for the people. It is the most visible symbol of who we are as a people. It is a testament to our character. The notion that we are, in fact, the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, was earned for us by the Patriot Colonist. They were the first responders for Freedom. Their fervent belief in the worth of Liberty led them to pick up their own muskets, leave their homes and face oppression head on. This legacy is written on our nation’s flag.
They set the standard that we continue to live by. Just as they won the liberty that preserved future generations to be free, so we have and must continue to do the same. We cannot and dare not do less. To do otherwise is to dishonor our flag and the sacrifices of those who preceded us. Throughout the world where our flag flies it tells the story of our own struggle for independence and it speaks of the willingness and commitment of the American people to defend and protect our freedoms. We have proved that many times since 1777.
Yes, we may take the wrong turn occasionally, but we are reminded of what Commodore Decartus said “My country may she always be right, but my country, right or wrong.”
Thus, it stands to reason that this holiday is also for our Veterans and those actively serving today because it is the soldier, sailor, airman, marine, coast guard and merchant seaman who must answer the call to arms to defend and protect our liberties and way of life. They serve alongside our flag and if it falls, someone will pick it up again and set it upright.
However, the Stars of our flag, also, represent all Americans who mobilize in times of conflict, in support of our troops or Americans in peril. They are just as much a Veteran of the Times as those who find themselves in harms way. Our flag is not just a battle flag. It is a hope flag a dream flag and it represents the sacrifices of all families against those who continue to test our resolve. Go ahead, wrap yourselves in Old Glory.
In this new age of terrorism, 9-11 made us more aware of the Patriot Heroism of our police and fire, of their training and sense of duty that they would without hestitation put themselves in harms way to save a life. Our emergency medical services mimic, everyday, what happens on the battlefield. Immediate aid and assessement of the wounded/sick and their delivery to an aid station in hopes of saving a life.
The question is often raised, as to where to we get such men and women who are willing to commit to such a sacrifice or risk. To me, the answer is simple. It begins in the home where loving parents teach right from wrong, where in a great majority of the cases the family tree includes those who have served in the military, law enforcement, fire departments, nurses and the like and it is reinforced in our schools, K-12, where we study history and learn of the values and virtues of good citizenship in so many different ways and that nothing can compare to the feeling of fulfillment that comes from a life of service. As long as our schools continue to rate an A+ regarding citizenship training, we will never have to worry about where we will find our future leaders and servants of the people.
So, in this context, this holiday is for all of us, for all Americans who believe in our Country, and who step forward to serve in so many different ways.
As we journey through life, there are many titles we take on. Some are permanent and some are not. However, there is a title one earns and that can never be lost and that is …VETERAN. Whether you’re a Veteran military, or Patriot in harms way, It states “ I have answered the call; I have done my duty.” And if we must drape our flag over a comrades coffin it states “ I will never forget those who did not return home.”
So, when you meet a Veteran or one on active duty, you need only say “Thank you for your Service” and whenever you see our flag please reflect on these words……
For Peace and Honor and For God and Country
We will fight for Thee.
James V. Mazzone
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