Club Initiates Annual Program to Observe Flag Day

Visalia Republican Women Federated of California has initiated a new annual program to observe Flag Day.

As Chair of the Americanism Committee, I proposed the event to observe this nationally ratified date.

Our club has a great reputation with our local elected officials. We’ve been instrumental in their reelection efforts or others that are seeking office at the federal, state and local levels. California District 21 candidate for Congress, Michael Maher, rearranged his schedule to serve as our speaker. Radio show host Jody Jones spoke on patriotism and losing America.

Our club received two certificates in recognition for holding an event to officially observe National Flag Day in the town of Visalia. This was the first for our club. A certificate was presented by Matt Casarez, representative for state Senator Shannon Groves' office. Larry Micari presented a certificate on behalf of Supervisor Larry Micari and Supervisor Pete Vander Poel’s office. President Sharon Preston accepted both certificates in gratitude for officially observing National Flag Day.

Talented club member Ellen Woitalla played "God Bless America" on her violin while attendees sang.

Central Valley Vietnam Veterans performed Honor Guard, Color Guard and served on the flag line in conjunction with the Color Guard Ceremony. Central Valley Vietnam Veteran and Honor Guard Leader David Tedford and Central Valley Vietnam Veteran John Perez appropriately folded the American Flag while Vietnam Veteran Ken Story explained the meaning of each fold.

Immediately following the event, Tulare County Central Committee member Dennis Smith coordinated an American flag caravan.

Our club is made up of talented, dedicated, and Godly women who are willing to work hard and cooperatively to achieve our goals. I humbly thank them for their volunteer work and help in this successful event.

It is my honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to bring our community together to make this National Flag Day a success.

I especially want to thank our President Sharon Preston for having faith in me to carry this out, all the members who rallied behind me to do the work, and the community who filled the room for this now annual event.

Thank you,
Patricia Huizar
Chair, Americanism Committee