Flags For Heroes

The Marco Island Noontime Rotary may have created a new tradition when they held the island’s first Flags For Heroes celebration in 2021 to honor our everyday heroes through the purchase and display of American flags on their behalf. 

Last year’s patriotic celebration was such a great success that it was held again in 2022. This year’s celebration runs through February 25, at which time the heroes honored will be presented with their flags.

The Lely High School Honor Guard presented the colors in true military fashion, while the crowd stood for a prayer presented by Master of Ceremonies Alan Sandlin and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Part of this year’s opening ceremonies was a spectacular fly-over. It was followed by MC Sandlin recognizing the dignitaries in the audience, including County Commissioner Rick LoCastro, Council Chairman Erik Brechnitz, Vice-Chair Jared Grifoni, Police Chief Tracy Frazzano, Fire Chief Chris Byrne and all the first responders.

Chairman Brechnitz presented the Rotary Club with a proclamation recognizing the event, which had been approved by the city council at a recent meeting.

Sandlin pointed out that the large flag displayed by the Marco Island Firefighters on an aerial platform device had flown over Ground Zero following the 9-11 terrorist attacks. When the flag was lowered, it was placed into protective packaging and given to Hank Sentowski, the father of FDNY Retiree Jeff Sentowski and NYPD Retiree Dave Sentowski. Both men had retired several years after the tragic events of 2001. 

When asked about the special flag, Fire Chief Chris Byrne said, “We were extremely proud to have been honored to fly the symbol of our nation’s resolve to overcome that dark day in our history.” 

As part of the program, the 6th and 7th grade winners of an essay contest at the Marco Island Charter Middle School were celebrated. The students authored original essays to honor the heroes in their own lives. 

Paul Burke won first place for his essay that honored his grandfather. Burke’s grandfather displayed courage during combat operations in Vietnam. His grandson shared the story of his heroic flight operations piloting a Hughes OH-6 “Loach” chopper in combat missions to assist the ground troops.

Runners up in the close contest included Chapin Lee, who wrote about her mom, a teacher who strives to make a difference in her students’ lives. Chapin wrote eloquently about her mother’s dedication to the profession, especially during these very difficult times created by the pandemic. 

Briana Ferro’s well-written essay was about her dad, a former Miami police officer who is currently an officer with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Her father, who she calls her hero, also coaches the Marco Island Academy boys’ baseball team.

A crowd of approximately 100 people assembled at the open lots located in front of the South Collier YMCA at the corner of Sand Hill and San Marco Road, and after the event’s conclusion, wandered through the many flags and medallions on display.