2023 Flags for Heroes Ceremony Recap (Originally posted by Mr. Peter Vu on the Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary Club Facebook Page)

The Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary Club and the Creekside Veterans Club organized and held another successful Flags for Heroes event at the Town of Haymarket Park on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 5PM to 6PM.

The event began with the Call to Order by the Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary Club Service Chair Donna Flory and with the welcome and introduction of guests by the Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary Club President Don McMillan. The AFJROTC Unit# VA-20061 Battlefield High School then presented the colors, recited the Pledge of Allegiance with the attendees, and sang the National Anthem led by Sarah Bain from AFJROTC. Afterward, Reverend Brian Johnson from the Haymarket Church delivered the invocation.

Don McMillan then asked each of the following guest speakers to come up and say a few words.

Mayor: The Honorable Ken Luersen

Delegate House District 13: Danica Roem

Board of Supervisors: Gainesville District: Bob Weir

G-H Rotary Club Foundation Chair: John P. Grzejka

Creekside Veterans Club Director: Brian Schires

Old Glory: James McGruder, US Army, Sergeant Major (Ret)

The event continued with James McGruder and Brian Shires presenting the Pentagon Flag to Jim Eisenhower, US Army, Capt. Afterward, the Haymarket Chief of Police, Allen Sibert, and the Creekside Veterans Club Director, Brian Schires recited the Heroes Roll Call with the support of two bell ringers from Boy Scout Troop 1882 and the Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary Club President-Elect Rich Luttrell.

Donna Flory and Don McMillan played the Echo Taps to wrap up the ceremony.

The Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary Club and the Creekside Veterans Club would like to thank all guest speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and guests of this 2023 Flags for Heroes event. Your support directly benefits our friends at the Creekside Veterans Club and Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary Club Foundation.