A Moving Flags for Heroes Event

A brightly shining sun and slight breeze animated the 440 American Flags, making them picture perfect, as the Noontime Rotary Club kicked off their Annual Flags For Heroes event to the delight of approximately 200 spectators.

The program was flawless as Master of Ceremonies Alan Sandlin started the ceremonies with an invocation, followed by the Lely High School JROTC Color Guard’s posting of the colors. The vocal talents of Marco resident Alessia Pellegrini, a local high school junior who sang The Star Spangled Banner, mesmerized the attendees.

Attendees looked to the skies as Retired Navy Commander Mick Thorstenson, assisted by Alfred Beam and Dan Richer, flew over the crowd in a North American T28 aircraft before the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance and before being treated to the “Old Glory” video, a visual presentation created for the event by resident Ron Rutledge.

Linda Sandlin, who served as co-chair of the event, took over the podium to recognize the event’s sponsors, without which the event would not have been possible, especially by Kenneth Hodsdon, whose company SW Florida Entertainment provided the audio and visual equipment for the event.

As the event drew to a close, attendees again enjoyed an audio/visual presentation of Lee Greenwood’s popular performance of “I’m Proud to Be an American.” Craig Greusel closed out the event by playing Taps.

The Flags will remain on display from February 18 through February 23rd. The public is welcome to come to the intersection of Sand Hill and San Marco Road to visit the moving presentation of the 440 American Flags.