Published: June 14, 2009 11:58 pm         

Valley residents pay respects during Flag Day ceremonies

TERRE HAUTE — With a hand over a heart, and for some another hand on a walker, dozens of Anthony Square residents observed Flag Day on Sunday with reflection and celebration.

A contingent of the local Marine Corps League conducted a flag replacement ceremony at the senior citizen home on College Street, as representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a plaque to the facility on behalf of their participation.

“We do this every Flag Day,” activities director and administrative assistant Vera Rose-Moon said as residents streamed out of the cafeteria.

Typically, the group has a canopy outside for festivities, but with unpredictable weather and Sunday’s humidity, an air-conditioned cafeteria seemed the best direction, she said.

About 43 residents joined in singing patriotic songs such as “The Star Spangled Banner,” accompanied by piano and resident harmonica player Wilbur Moore.

“I’ve been playing it off and on all my life,” the World War II U.S. Army veteran said after leading the group in “Amazing Grace.”

Rose-Moon noted that the facility had a minor smoke alarm earlier in the day to everyone’s excitement, but nothing got in the way of the services.

Upstairs, Mary Lawson was entertaining company when the alarm went off.

“It kind of excites old people,” the 102-1/2-year-old Clay City native laughed.

Born Jan. 13, 1907, Lawson recalled working in the drug store in Clay City for about 17 years before moving to Richmond.

Downstairs, Rose-Moon announced the group would be sending care packages to residents’ grandchildren and family members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, as a prayer was offered on behalf of those serving in the armed forces.

Kathleen Barnes, a resident and member of the Fort Harrison DAR Chapter, said the program “went off without a hitch.”

“The Marines always do a good job,” she said. “The raising of the flag went beautifully.”

Barnes said she has belonged to the DAR since 1975, when she became a junior member. This was the first year the organization presented a plaque to Anthony Square in recognition of their service.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.