The Patriotic Rosary was recited at 10:00am in the nave.  A reception followed at 11:00 in the Lower Hall. Approximately 170 people attended the reception and program. The tables in the lower hall were decorated in a patriotic theme with red, white, and blue table coverings, Knights of Columbus place mats, and American flag centerpieces. Food, consisting of finger sandwiches, fruit and vegetable trays, deviled eggs, various breads and desserts, iced tea and coffee was prepared by the widows of Fourth Degree Knights and members of American Legion.  Knight widows Jean Dobes and Jackie Fayman coordinated food donations, serving, and clean-up.

Highlights of the program included:
Mike Kerwin: Program Coordinator and Master of Ceremonies - WELCOME ADDRESS

Father Bill Elser: Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus - OPENING PRAYER

American Legion and VFW Honor Guard: POSTING OF THE COLORS

Garry Berry: American Legion - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Dennis Zymboly: HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FLAG
     After giving a brief history of the flag, Dennis invited those interested to join him following the conclusion of the      formal program.  He used a display board to show how the flag evolved into its current form.

Bill Wood & Jimmy Walker: PRESENTATION by SONS of the  AMERICAN REVOLUTION
     Jimmy gave a brief talk on his colonial era attire and its ties to the American Revolution.  Bill Wood presented an award to Valerie Hartnett representing her husband Bill, an Assembly member who coordinates the placement of flags around the SHJ church campus on patriotic holidays.  The certificate read as follows: The National Society  of the Sons of the Revolution present to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church [this certificate] in recognition of exemplary patriotism in the display of the flag of the United States of America.

A musical celebration of our flag was led by Lynne Border and performed by the Sacred Heart of Jesus Choir. Bill Lamoureux wrote and announced the lead in to the flag's history and introduced each of the five songs by presenting a synopsis of its history researched and written by Mike Kerwin.  The songs included: The Star Spangled Banner, Stars and Stripes Forever, It's a Grand Old Flag, There is a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere, and It's a Ragged Old Flag.  Information presented can be seen in the Programs/U.S. Flags section of this web site.

A 50/50 drawing was held to help fund the Flags Forever program with $160 awarded to three winners.  It was coordinated by Ray Bertrand and Russ Harrison.  The Assembly provides U.S. flags free of charge to eight golf courses in the Village as well as to the four stations. 

The flag celebration concluded at 1:15pm with a closing prayer by Rev Burle Mattingly, American Legion Chaplain.

Check the Photo section for pictures of the event.