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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

EMMAUS FLAG DAY ASSOCIATION

Editor's Note: Corrections have been made to this article.

The Emmaus Flag Day Association celebrated its 50th annual Flag Day observance June 14 at Emmaus Community Park. President of the Emmaus Flag Day Association Marge Heatley led the program with the assistance of Pat Stasko and Pat Waller, co-chairs of the Woman's Club of Emmaus's Flag Day Committee. The program serves the community by honoring the flag as a salute to veterans.

The Woman's Club of Emmaus's Flag Day Committee is passing the Emmaus Flag Day Progam to the Emmaus Rotary Club for 2020. 

The program was founded Nov. 23, 1969, at a time when American flags were burned in protest of United States involvement in the Vietnam War. Emmaus Mayor Joe Zeller, with the help of a group of Emmaus citizens founded EFDA to “promote the observance of Flag Day and Flag Week” in hopes of encouraging patriotism in the area.

A large crowd flocked under the Arts Pavilion to watch the program.

The program began with the Emmaus Veterans Committee advancing the colors and the crowd standing for the pledge to the flag. Christine Castiello followed with a performance of the national anthem and Emmaus Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert welcomed everyone in attendance.

After a brief introduction, the winners of the Emmaus Flag Day Association’s poetry and essay contest read their award-winning submissions and received their certificates from Gilbert. The first essay contest was held in 1970, with the poetry section added in 1977 by Susan Kolitsko, who eventually served as president from 1986 through 2003. In 2008, the poetry contest was restricted to fifth graders and the essay contest was designated for eighth graders.

The fifth-grade poetry contest winner was St. Ann School student Brooklyn Joyce with her poem “What does the American flag mean to me?”

Jefferson Elementary School’s Olive Whitney earned second place and third place was awarded to Alexandra Howard of Shoemaker Elementary School.

The eighth-grade essay contest first place honors went to Amarachi Nnodimele, a student at Lower Macungie Middle School. Second place was earned by St. Ann School student Andrew Leitzel. Third place was awarded to James Day, also from Lower Macungie MIddle School.

Following the awards, there were several guest speakers and musical performances.

State Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st and State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, spoke about patriotism. They reflected on the flag and how much of an honor it was to listen to the students’ incredible thoughts on the symbolism the flag represents.

Featured speaker Marine Corps veteran Adam Polster recounted his experiences in war and how his pride and efforts helped him get to where he is today. In 2015, Polster joined the Emmaus Police Department.

Polster is a combat veteran who has completed multiple tours in Afghanistan and was awarded two Purple Hearts. He served as a Marine gunner and machine gun squad leader. He led more than 60 patrols and instructed more than 3,000 student Marines.

The Emmaus Chorale performed during the program and assisted by providing financial support. The chorale’s performances of “America the Beautiful” and “A Patriotic Salute” set the mood for the evening.

The Emmaus Veterans Committee, with the help of the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, closed the program with the retiring of the colors.

Anyone interested in learning more about the EFDA should visit the Emmaus Historical Society, which has cataloged the documents about the founding and activities of EFDA.

Editor’s Note: Copies of the award winning essays and poems can be found on our website at http://eastpenn.thelehighvalleypress.com.

PRESS PHOTO BY JAKE MELUSKEYThe 50th annual Emmaus Flag Day celebration was held June 14 in Emmaus Community Park. ABOVE: The Emmaus Veterans Committee Color Guard advances the colors and stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.