South King County Annual Flag Day Celebration

June 20, 2011

Summary

Councilmember von Reichbauer served as Master of Ceremonies as fellow community members, and active and retired service-men and women gathered together for one of the most recognized community events of the year. Musical salutes from the Thomas Jefferson High School Band were also featured, as well as an invocation from Ted Werfelmann, pastor of Light of Christ Lutheran Church, and a special presentation of awards to local students for American Flag inspired essays.

Story

This year’s South King County Flag Day celebration, presented by the Soroptimists of Federal Way and King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, was held Saturday morning, June 18, at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way. The celebration was an uplifting opportunity to honor current and fallen military personnel, and the flag itself.

“Freedom is not free, and this was a great opportunity to come together as a community and honor those who served and continue to serve under our most powerful symbol of freedom --- the American flag,” said von Reichbauer.

Colonel Michael Healey was the keynote speaker. Healey currently serves as the M-day G3 Director of Operations for the Washington Army National Guard; he commanded the 144th Army Liaison Team in Afghanistan from 2005-2006 and served as the Red Team Leader in support of the 34th Infantry Division in Basra, Iraq 2009-2010.

The event also gave special recognition to select South King County police officers who have served in the United States Armed Forces as well as special guest Walter Gallagher, a World War II veteran.

“It was a special honor to share this Flag Day celebration with Ordnance 2nd Class Gallagher,” said von Reichbauer. “His service in World War II is an example of the sacrifice given by previous generations to preserve our freedoms.”

Councilmember von Reichbauer served as Master of Ceremonies as fellow community members, and active and retired service-men and women gathered together for one of the most recognized community events of the year. Musical salutes from the Thomas Jefferson High School Band were also featured, as well as an invocation from Ted Werfelmann, pastor of Light of Christ Lutheran Church, and a special presentation of awards to local students for American Flag inspired essays.