“I pledge allegiance to the flag…”
But what happens if there is no flag to salute during the pledge?
Staff of Ridgewood Savings Bank felt the local AARP Throggs Neck Chapter 603 deserved a flag to face while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before each of their meetings, so the bank dedicated one to them at a plaque and dedication ceremony held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Ampere Avenue, on Wednesday, March 14.
“Two months ago, I came here to speak to members,” manager Susan Johnson of Ridgewood Savings Bank said. “And before the meeting, we stood to say the pledge, but there was no flag to say the pledge to. I found out that it was broken and it also couldn’t be found anywhere.”
Johnson said she went back to the office and decided the Throggs Neck chapter of AARP needed a flag, and Ridgewood Bank should get one for them.
Joseph Maiorana, president of the Ericson Place Bronx chapter 5174 of AARP, said he was very happy when representatives called him to tell him they would be dedicating a plaque and flag to them.
“I thought that was very nice of them,” he said.
The short ceremony included the dedication of a plaque and a corned beef and cabbage lunch.
The new flag was proudly displayed by the speaker’s podium.
Joseph said she is glad they now have a place to turn to when they say the pledge.
“Everyone was really excited and glad we got a flag, it is much nicer than our old one and looks much better,” said Maiorana.
