American House Senior Living Communities will celebrate National Flag Day and honor veterans on Thursday, June 14, with two patriotic programs (morning and afternoon) at its Elmwood community located at 2251 W. Auburn Road in Rochester Hills.
The morning program will begin at 10:50 a.m. with a presentation of the flags from the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force by the Color Guard from Chapter 154 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Next on the agenda is the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Brian Bobek, president of Chapter 154 of the Vietnam Veterans Association.
At 11 a.m., American House Founder Bob Gillette will give the introduction for Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren, co-creator of Patriot Week (www.PatriotWeek.org).
Warren will give a presentation on the history of National Flag Day--officially established by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. Warren will also discuss the importance of the American flag.
Though not an official federal holiday, on August 3, 1949, U.S. President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day in the United States.
"I am delighted to be participating in this patriotic celebration of the American flag," said Warren. "The American flag is a symbol of our freedom--but not enough people understand its evolution and background. The flag represents our history and is a visual representation of how all Americans are united--both in times of crisis and prosperity," Warren added.
Warren's remarks will be followed with a reading by Marney Rich Keenan. She will share a letter from her late brother Michael Rich who died honorably in battle during the Vietnam War in 1969 at the age of 23.
Rich Keenan will also read the names of each American House veteran in attendance and honor them with a patriotic pin and offer thanks for their years of service to the United States military.
The morning program will conclude with the debut of the South Oakland County American House Choir singing a repertoire of American classics. The American House Choir is conducted by Daniel Greig. The choir is comprised of residents of the following American House Senior Living Communities: Southfield, Farmington Hills, Hazel Park, West Bloomfield, Regent Street (West Bloomfield), and Royal Oak.
"We strongly believe in showing appreciation and respect to our valued residents who have put their lives on the line in military duty to assure our freedom," said American House Chief Operating Officer Rob Gillette about the celebration. "The formation of the American House Choir is both a way to pay respect to our veterans--as well as giving our residents an opportunity to showcase their love for music."
A slightly different afternoon program will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the presentation of the flags from the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force by the Color Guard from Chapter 154 of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Brian Bobek, president of Chapter 154 of the Vietnam Veterans of America will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and introduce Rob Rich--brother of the late Michael Rich. Rob Rich will share a letter his family received from Michael during Michael's time in Vietnam.
Rich will also read the names of each American House veteran in attendance and honor them with a patriotic pin and offer thanks for their years of service to the United States military.
The afternoon program will conclude with the debut of the North Oakland County American House Patriot Choir. The choir will reprise the repertoire of patriotic songs from the morning program. The North Oakland Choir is comprised of residents of the following American House Communities: The Village (Rochester Hills), Elmwood (Rochester Hills), Stone (Rochester Hills), North (Flint), Grand Blanc, Oakland (Pontiac), and Troy.
To watch the rehearsals of the American House Patriot Choir, visit this YouTube link: http://youtu.be/CePvYGCzRqw
Published: Mon, Jun 11, 2012
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