BIG RUN --  Nearly seven years after the tragedy cast upon America Sept. 11, 2001, state Rep. Sam Smith still remembers the drive home that night which took him from Harrisburg, through Big Run, and into Punxsutawney.

He said that Big Run’s flags were the first ones he saw, and not only did he say that “it turned my somber mood to thoughts of hope,” but the town’s patriotism is something that “every one of you can be extremely proud of.”

Saturday, Smith was the keynote speaker for the first time since 2002 at the Big Run War Memorial in honor of Flag Day.

“It is almost like being in a parade when driving through Big Run when the flags are out (on Main Street),” Smith said. “The sight of it (the flag) tends to make Americans feel good.”

The evening was presented by Big Run VFW Post 9044 & Auxiliary. Post Comm-ander Jim Soliday read about the flag’s history, including that the flag “symbolizes peoples’ hopes, sacrifices, struggles and achievements,” he said.



But at the same time, the flag is what the nation makes of it.

“If we choose to follow in the footsteps of our noble, idealistic forefathers, it will continue to be a great flag that waves forever over a free and powerful America,” Soliday said.

After the Jefferson County Veterans’ Honor Guard presented the colors, the National Anthem was played by members of the Post 17 American Legion Concert Band.

Junior Vice-Commander Bob Lott, Big Run Mayor Joseph Buterbaugh and Ladies’ Auxiliary President Sara Fox provided those in attendance with readings in tribute of the flag.

“When we express love for the flag of our country, we are honoring those who fought in defense of the God-given rights upon which American democracy and our great republic were founded -- the freedoms which we enjoy and our flag represents,” Lott said.

Auxiliary member Jenna Pallone also honored Flag Day by reading a poem by Walter Taylor Field entitled, “Flag of the Free.”

Following words from Smith, three patriotic songs were sung by the Community Christian Choir, under the direction of Jack Averill. Also, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Francis Romeo recited his familiar passage about Old Glory.

One of Smith’s final remarks was that of all the Medals Of Honor given by Congress, most have been presented to those who have saved the flag in battle when it was dropped or almost captured by the enemy.

“Surviving wasn’t as important as protecting the flag,” he said. “This icon has been protected at a staggering cost.”