American flags surrounded veterans, community members and elected leaders April 23 on a perfect spring morning at the Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site to launch New York State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon’s “Flags Across the Mohawk Valley” program.
Buttenschon, who represents the 119th district, opened with a memory from her Oneida County childhood when her father would sometimes stop, point and proclaim, “Look at that beautiful flag!”
“It is important to remember,” said Buttenschon, “that this great nation stands under this beautiful flag” as she hopes to inspire the community to fly the flag to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary.
Veterans, elected officials, community leaders make remarks at Oriskany Battlefield
New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Regional Supervisor Michael Roets began with a nod to Buttenschon. “Thank you for choosing this sacred ground for the kick-off the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.”
Roets reminded the gathering that Gen. Sir William Johnson, famous for commanding the victory against the French in the Battle of Lake George during the French and Indian War, had led troops at the site.
“He commanded the ambush right here at Oriskany,” Roets said.
Roets shared that the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation website has just unveiled its “Revisit the Revolution” link, providing a guide to visiting historic Revolutionary sites in New York.
Leslie Raney, Regent of the Oneida Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, pointed out versions of the flag, beginning with the one that predated the sanction of the one often credited to Betsy Ross, through to the American flag we fly today.
“In all its different iterations,” said Raney, “the American flag tells the story of our nation.”
Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan, whose city neighbors Oriskany, promoted the events the Copper City will host in July, including its traditional “Honor America Days” on July 25, a celebration at Bellamy Park on the Fourth of July, and a special performance by the Albany Symphony at 8 p.m. July 11 at Bellamy Harbor Park.
Matthew VanEtten of American Legion Post 6001 in Yorkville and Junior Vice Commander for VFW District 4, said, “I’m honored to stand here today with these veterans and leaders of our community.”
Utica Center for Development Executive Director and founder Vincent “Vinnie” P. Scalise, whose organization devotes itself to serving local veterans, said “The flag represents the freedoms that everyone on the soil of this country enjoys.”
Oneida County Historian Alexis Albright, who previously served as the Curator of the Oriskany Museum, said “To be at this battlefield in such nice weather, in such good company, is a joy.
“We are creating memories for the next generation of American history and these flags are a visual reminder.”
Thomas Buono, President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 944 recognized Buttenschon has “always been there for the veterans.”
“To you Marianne, thank you for this initiative,” then after a pause, “On behalf of all of the veterans, thank you.”
Help available to properly display and retire American flags
For those who wish to fly the American flag and do so in accordance with the U.S. flag code, but are unsure how, the following organizations invite you to contact them for guidance.
For those with older, worn, or otherwise unusable flags, these organizations can be contacted for assistance, as well.
The Utica Center for Development will pick up or receive unflyable American flags and properly retire them for you.
Revolutionary pride in the Mohawk Valley
Buttenschon, with the obelisk at the battlefield – remembered as one of the bloodiest sites of the Revolution – as her backdrop, noted that when her colleagues in the Assembly talk about whose district has the most historic sites, she said “I always remind them of Oriskany.
“I appreciate those who display your flag, I appreciate you helping your neighbors to display a flag, no flag is too large or too small for the Mohawk Valley.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Flags Across Mohawk Valley launched at Oriskany Battlefield
Reporting by Cara Dolan Berry, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
