Community Gathered for Flag Day

On Saturday, June 15th, residents celebrated for the 104th Flag Day in the Gardens (and what a festive celebration it was!) led by our Master of Ceremonies Tony Barsamian and joined by Boy Scout Troop 349, members of the American Legion, the 112th Precinct of the NYPD and invited dignitaries together with an enthusiastic turnout of residents and friends of the Gardens.

The morning's activities began with the flag raising on Flag Pole Green's unique flag pole (did you know that this flag pole was originally on the Columbia - a ship that won the pre-Americas Cup in 1889 and was later donated to the Gardens in 1915?) President Franklin Roosevelt once said that the American flag represents a spirit, and that spirit was indeed present throughout the ceremony.  We heard from many elected officials, including Congresswoman Meng, Senator Addabbo, Jr., Senator Comrie, Assemblyman Hevesi, Queens Borough President Richards, and Council Member Schulman, who spoke of the meaning of the Flag, the rich diversity of Queens, and the importance of community.

The six winners of the school essay contest from P.S. 101’s 5th grade then read their odes to the personal meaning of the Flag. Additionally, attendees enjoyed the musical performance of the Gardens Players & The Scooches led by Betina Hershey, who is celebrating her 20th year as its Artistic Director.  The celebration concluded with a number of musical pieces, all enjoyed sitting or standing on the wonderfully rehabilitated park grass. While this is an annual tradition, be sure to join others in our community at next year’s Flag Day festivities!