Rep. Himes Joins Darien VFW in Flag Day Ceremony

Rep. Jim Himes was on hand Monday morning as Darien VFW Post #6933 retired a worn Stars and Stripes in observance of Flag Day.

Himes (D-Conn. 4th) came bearing the gift of a new flag, which VFW members raised in place of the old on a pole outside the post.

During the event, veterans performed a folding ceremony established at the U.S. Air Force Academy and read from the poem "I Am Your Flag."

"I am the symbol of the living America, the badge of its greatness, the emblem of its destiny," the poem reads. "I am faith. It is I who keep men mindful of their priceless heritage, life, liberty, and the right to pursue happiness."

Flag Day, established by presidential proclamation in 1916, commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777.

Jeff Calcott, Junior Vice President of the post, helped fold the flag on Monday. He said the date is a reminder of an obligation to assume the colors passed on by previous generations.

"It's carrying on the traditions that were established by our forefathers," said Calcott, who served in Vietnam in 1968 with the 3rd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment.

Rep. Himes said that the occasion recalled the disproportionate sacrifice shouldered by "a very small number of families." 

"The wars that we've fought in the past few years have been somewhat different," Himes said, noting the historically smaller size of the U.S.'s all-volunteer force.

Veterans and supporters partook of refreshments after the ceremony, as Himes stayed on to chat with many in attendance.