23rd Annual South King County Flag Day Celebration

June 11, 2012

Summary

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 9, 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”, said von Reichbauer, who served in the U.S. Army, “and this day gives us the opportunity to honor those who have served in the military and to recognize public service.”

Colonel Robin Blanchard was the keynote speaker. Blanchard commands the 96th Troop Command for the Washington Army National Guard. For Colonel Blanchard, commanding these brigade units has come with a unique distinction that of “first female officer” of the Washington Army National Guard to command at the Brigade level.

“Our flag means something. It stands for something. Our flag is us, and we are it. The American dream will endure as long as Americans believe... and the flag will be there to remind us,” said Col. Robin Blanchard.

The event also gave special recognition to the family of fallen Washington State Patrol Trooper Tony V. Radulescu, who was killed in the line of duty on February 23, 2012. Trooper Radulescu joined the Washington State Patrol in December of 1995 after he served honorably in the U.S. Army in active duty from 1986 to 1994. He remained in the Army Reserve until his retirement in 2008. Trooper Radulescu performed his duties with an infectious smile and enjoyed spreading laughter among his friends, coworkers, and community.

Family members, fiancé, Gina Miller; her children, Savanah and Jacob Miller; and her parents, Butch and Alice Miller; were in attendance to accept the honorary recognition.

“Too often we look at the flag and think of those who have served overseas. Every day, men and women who are firefighters and police officers, members of the Washington State Patrol; they serve under that same flag. In the last year, we’ve seen first responders pay the ultimate price. They know that freedom is not free,” said von Reichbauer.

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. A presentation of the colors by Todd Beamer’s High School Junior ROTC were also featured, as well as an invocation from Jeff MacLurg, pastor of Our Savior’s Baptist Church, and a special presentation of awards to local students for American Flag inspired essays.




(From Left to Right) King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Jeff Stock, Manager of the Wild Waves Theme Park,  Gina Miller, fiancé of fallen Washington State Patrol Trooper Tony V. Radulescu, U.S. Congressman Adam Smith, and Andrew Hwang, Deputy Chief of the Federal Way Police Department at the 23rd Annual Flag Day Celebration.