RRC Hosts Flag Day Celebration at Callie’s This Friday!
By Kami-Leigh Agard
One nation, indivisible—that’s the meaning of the American Flag, and the Rockaway Republican Club invites fellow patriots to their Flag Day event celebrating “Old Glory” this Friday, June 14 at uptown neighborhood restaurant, Callie’s. While the celebration will be chock-full of fun with Rockaway’s own Sid Rosenberg, DJ Hammond, lite bites and beverages, a “Grand Old Flag” sing-along, flag cake-decorating, trivia, DIY activities for children, and even prizes for the Best-Dressed Red, White and Blue Competition, judged by The Best Dressed Man In Rockaway—on a somber note, Callie’s will also be dedicating their new flag pole to fallen Belle Harbor resident, Lance Cpl. Michael D. Glover, who tragically died in Iraq serving his country in 2006.
Flag Day, though not a federal holiday, is a national observance, commemorating the adoption of the first U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. Fast forward to 1916, when the world was in the throes of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the anniversary of the flag a nationally observed event. However, it was not until 1949 that Congress officially designated June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
For Breezy Point resident, Tom Sullivan, a 30-year Army Reserve veteran and small business owner, slated to face off against Democratic incumbent NYS Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato this coming November on the Republican Party and Conservative Party lines, Old Glory represents unity and freedom.
He said, “Before 1777, the American colonies flew different flags, and then unified under one flag, the stars and stripes that fly today. Our flag is one of the most recognizable flags out there, and is a symbol of our strength, purpose and the American dream.
“I fought for our flag for 30 years, and it concerns me when I hear people say, ‘It doesn’t represent me.’ What is it that the American flag doesn’t represent? And like statues, and historic names on government buildings and schools, I’m concerned that our flag is the next target. Some want it to be more inclusive. What do they want? Less stars, more colors, what? There are people that exist in this world feeding that way of thinking, and it’s part of a bigger strategy to sow discontent,” he said.
With Father’s Day approaching, Sullivan then shared about the American flag he has erected outside his house.
“About eight years ago for Father’s Day, after things got situated with my home in Breezy after Hurricane Sandy, my wife surprised me with a big flagpole. It’s such an honor for me to go outside every morning to raise the flag. As the grandson of Irish immigrants, I take a lot of pride in the American flag as a symbol of hope, strength and unity for the many that came to America,” he said.
For Callie’s co-owner, Tom Callahan, who coincidentally attended military school with Sullivan, erecting a flagpole outside of their neighborhood restaurant was a long time in the making.
He shared, “My partner, Terence Mullen, wanted it up from the day we opened. We just redid our yard and finally got to it. We always had a flag flying, but now we actually have our very own flagpole. We’re very patriotic guys, and there’s not enough respect for the flag anymore, and we’re showing it as a business in the neighborhood. Plus, we’re proud to dedicate our flagpole to Lance Cpl. Michael D. Glover. So, hosting the RRC’s Flag Day celebration this Friday is such perfect timing. We couldn’t be happier.”
The Rockaway Republican Club’s Flag Day celebration is happening tomorrow—Friday, June 14, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Callie’s (410 Beach 129th Street). Tickets are $40 for adults and kids free! For tickets and more info, visit: www.RockawayRepublicanClub.com or visit: Rockaway Republican Club NYC on Facebook/Instagram. Tickets also available at the door.
