The Kittanning Community Band was positioned last night on North Water Street for the annual Flag Day observance by the local Elks lodge #203.
KITTANNING - Music filled the air last night as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks local Lodge #203 in Kittanning held their annual observance of Flag Day.
Approximately 50 members of the Kittanning Community Band were present to perform various patriotic songs. Â The band was formed just 13 months ago under the direction of Leslie Wolfe as an all volunteer organization.
“There are a lot of us in the band who are committed to concert music in this area,” Wolfe said. “We decided that we wanted to make sure that continued.”
Vietnam Veteran Raymond Tarr spoke from the porch of the Elks last night, describing his experience in battle.
Armstrong High School Band Director Jason Venesky conducts the band that includes many of his students as well as senior members from the community. Last night’s performance was particularly enjoyable since Venesky is a member of the Elks.
“I’ve been a member of the Elks for the past 17 years, so we were really honored that we were invited to participate in this ceremony.”
Several hundred people attended, including veterans from the Mechling-Shakely Veterans Center in Cowansville. The event was hosted from the front porch of the North Jefferson Street facility. The street was closed as chairs were set up for veterans to gather in the center, with other visitors gathered on the grass behind them into Kittanning Riverfront Park.
Local Viet Nam Veteran Raymond Tarr provided the Keynote Address. He recounted his experience of the war, when he was wounded in a battle that cost him his eyesight. He received a standing ovation at the end of his speech.
The ceremony is an annual observe of Flag Day.
Veterans gather for a photo at the conclusion of last night’s Elks Flag Day ceremony.