Flag display honors community members’ heroes
In commemoration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Annandale Rotary Club’s Flags for Our Heroes program placed 250 American flags the Eileen Garnett Civic Space and American Legion Post 1976.
Community members were given an opportunity to sponsor a flag in honor of one of their heroes, such as a veteran, family member, or resident dedicated to public service. The flags at the Eileen Garnett park, at 7200 Columbia Pike, were installed by Boy Scouts from Troop 150.
Nineteen of the flags – along Maple Place and Daniels Avenue – honor a member of the Class of 2026 from Annandale, Falls Church, or Justice high school who enlisted in the military.
The opening ceremony for the Flags for Our Heroes program, held on Flag Day, June 14, at the American Legion Post, featured remarks by local leaders reflecting on the meaning of the Stars and Stripes.
Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez, who immigrated to the U.S. with his family from Colombia when he was 3, said, despite all the struggles going on today, “the American dream is still alive.”
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The American flag represents “our shared history, our ideals, and the generations of Americans who have worked, sacrificed, and served to build and defend our country,” Jimenez said. “Flag Day is an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities that come with citizenship.”
Commander Gretchen Trujillo of American Legion Post 1976 spoke about the history of Old Glory and how it’s flown in the most triumphal and challenging times, from Betsy Ross to Ft. McHenry, from Iwo Jima to the moon landing to the ashes of the World Trade Center.
Other speakers included Del. Vivian Watts, Del. Marcus Simon, school board members Ilryong Moon (at large) and Ricardy Anderson (Mason), and Fairfax County Clerk of the Court Chris Falcon.
Caroline Cotovsky, a student at Robinson Secondary School, performed patriotic songs.
The flag display will remain through Independence Day. The public is invited to a Flags for Our Heroes Community Appreciation Concert featuring the Josh Allen Band on June 28, 5-8 p.m., at American Legion Post 1976, 4206 Daniels Ave., and a Closing Ceremony on July 4, 1 p.m., at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space.