As the grand old flag waved with patriotic pride outside Geauga County’s historic courthouse on Chardon Square, several county officials celebrated Flag Day June 14.
As the grand old flag waved with patriotic pride outside Geauga County’s historic courthouse on Chardon Square, several county officials celebrated Flag Day June 14.
The Geauga County Republican Party hosted its annual Flag Day event at The Rookery’s Great Blue Heron Lodge in Chester Township with special guest speaker Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Republican Ohio Supreme Court Justice nominee Judge Megan Shanahan in attendance.
“It is a pleasure to be back in Geauga County for Flag Day and what it means in the world today,” Husted said. “The flag has meant different things to our country in different times. It’s always been a symbol, a rallying point for the cause of freedom. To me, that’s what it means. Not just for us, but for people around the world.”
In U.S. Congress’ 1976 revision of the Flag Code, it was stated the U.S. flag is considered a living symbol representing a living country — added in response to Americans’ strong feelings of respect and reverence for the flag.
Retired Navy veteran Glen Vernick, Geauga County buildings and grounds director, has been taking care of the county courthouse flag for 17 years and calls it a great privilege.
“That is something that I respect very much,” Vernick said, as he stood outside the courthouse June 14 amid blue skies and a scattering of clouds.
First established in 1916, the day celebrates the adoption of the American flag.
“On Flag Day, we officially celebrate the birth of our American Flag, the flag should be displayed on this day,” Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand said. “I display a lighted flag at my home year-round because I think it is important to show our support for the United States. Many people have fought and died to protect it.”
Retired Navy veteran Stacie Malone, of Geauga County Veterans Service Office, said when she sees the flag, it represents being an American, freedom, war time, sad times and some of the nation’s greatest joys and victories.
“When it waves so proudly, it captures the power of our great nation,” Malone said. “I served our country along with many before me and after me, and there is nothing greater than seeing our flag in a foreign country to know you’re safe and home.”
Nancy McArthur, Geauga County Republican Party chair, started the county GOP’s annual event a few years ago, coordinating with Lake County GOP to share the same guest speakers.
Attendees last Friday dined on pulled pork and chicken inside the rustic building as a scattering of political signs dotted the entrance.
“I think it has gotten more popular to fly the U.S. flag since 9/11,” McArthur said. “We all remember how the U.S. flag was hard to find in stores because everyone wanted one to show their support of our country. The flag is a uniting symbol of who we are as Americans, and we need to display it often and celebrate it every day.”
The event began with a prayer from Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak.
“We thank you for the flag that flies around our nation,” Dvorak said.
Husted shook hands and mingled before speaking to the guests.
For centuries, the U.S. flag has represented the American spirit, he said.
“Essentially, the flag is a symbol of service and sacrifice and when we honor the flag — that symbol of freedom, patriotism, sacrifice, commitment — we are honoring all who served,” Husted said. “That’s why we should always hold up our flag as a symbol of freedom and sacrifice, for all those who came before us. It’s honoring their memories and the great gift of freedom they’ve given us.”
ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG
0546, 0520 – Attendees of Geauga County Republicam Party’s annual Flag Day event June 14 gathered inside Great Blue Heron Lodge at Geauga Park District’s The Rookery in Chester Township.
0540, 0543 – Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was guest speaker June 14 during an annual Flag Day event hosted by Geauga County Republican Party at The Rookery in Chester Township.
0516 – Pictured, from left, are Jim Dvorak, Matt Rambo, Jon Husted, Steve Demetriou and Carolyn Brakey.
0500 – Old Glory, the largest government flag in Geauga County, on Flag Day 2024 flies proudly outside the historic Geauga County Courthouse on Chardon Square.
