PHOTO BY MARIANNE SALZA
Catherine and her husband, Cornelius Murphy, Past Commander of Post 69 and Vietnam Army veteran, with Anthony Ardagna, who served on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.
By MARIANNE SALZA
The Medford-Malden Lodge of Elks held its Annual Flag Day Celebration on Sunday in conjunction with the City of Medford, to honor veterans and their families.
“The greatest significance of this flag is the influence it has over the hearts of millions of people,” said Michael Hourihan from the Medford-Malden Lodge of Elks. “It has served as a beacon for refugees, and as a promise that the underprivileged will not be forgotten. The flag is a symbol of our unity. True love of our fellow man can create peace. The emblem of that love is the stars and stripes, the symbol of the American way.”
The morning ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park commemorated the birth of the flag.
“The American flag does not fly because the wind moves it,” said Malden Mayor Gary Christenson. “It flies because of the last breath of every military member who has died defending it. It is a symbol of their tremendous sacrifice.”
Proud veterans and their families gathered for the unveiling of an Honor Roll plaque that stands with a noble, golden eagle prominently on top.
“This wall is unique,” said Medford Mayor Stephanie Burke. “This flag symbolizes what all of the men and women who are engraved on our Honor Roll stood for: honor and sacrifice.”
Described as “a sacred place” by attorney Mark Rumley, a member of a military family, the memorial provides a site where families can remember the names of loved ones.
“Memorials allow us to reflect, to remember, to fulfill, and to acknowledge those who put on the uniform,” said Rumley. “The names are on raised lettering. You can put your fingers across the lettering. You have a connection to the person you miss and love.”
