Gig Harbor Rotary to Army: Happy Birthday!

The Gig Harbor Rotary Club held its annual National Flag Day ceremony in on Friday. But this year it was a double celebration. Attendees not only paid their customary tribute to the adoption of the American flag, but they also dished out birthday kudos to the U.S. Army.

The army turns 236 years old on Flag Day, Tuesday, June 14. Those joining Gig Harbor Rotarians at the June 10 ceremony to celebrate the dual events included members of the 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, World War II veterans, city officials and representatives of Rotary's district leadership.

The 7 a.m. gathering, hosted by Gig Harbor Rotary's Friday breakfast club, began with pancakes and sausage served up by the Gig Harbor Kiwanis Club. During the program that followed the flag was raised, the Pledge of Allegiance recited and the national anthem sung.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Thornton spoke on the history and patriotic symbolism of the flag, ending his remarks with a request. “Take the time to stop and consider what the flag means to you. More importantly, what do you do to make sure that the things that you do represent the flag,” he said.

And then there was birthday cake.

For a final celebratory flourish, the plan had been to cut the cake with a sword. But when the moment arrived, it was missing in action. A plastic knife was used in its place, offering less fanfare but accomplishing its mission nevertheless.