For the first time in 36 years, the annual Flag Day March in Williamsport will take place without Anthony “Tony” DiSalvo. Sadly, the man who was the sparkplug and spiritual father of the previous Flag Day marches died earlier this year. His spirit will go proudly on when the annual, newly renamed “Anthony DiSalvo Flags Across America Flag Day March” takes place Friday, June 14.

It is altogether fitting and proper that the Flag March was renamed in Tony’s honor, for no one loved Flag Day and the Flag that it celebrates better than he did.

“It was important to him all his life which was why he started the Flag Day March 36 years ago,” Robert Weaver, Jr., who along with Bill Carlucci are two of the organizers of the parade, told Webb Weekly. “It was his passion. And we feel it is important to continue that tradition. With his passing this past year, we decided to name the event in his memory. This year’s event is the “2019 Anthony Disalvo Flags Across America March”.”

Weaver said Tony enjoyed assisting with Eagle Boards of Review when he was able. When a scout has completed all requirements for the Eagle Rank, the highest award in scouting, he comes before a Board of Review to be questioned about his scout experience and his worthiness to become an Eagle Scout. Tony’s favorite question was, “When is Flag Day?” After a while, it became common knowledge to anticipate this question at Eagle Boards of Review.

“Tony was a mentor and role model to many of us. He is missed but not forgotten. We had a banner made this year to be carried to begin the Flag March,” Weaver said. “We honor him as we remember him in this way. The Boy Scouts of the Susquehanna Council are pleased and proud to be part of this event.”

According to Weaver, flag respect was so important to Tony that he petitioned the National BSA to create a Flag Etiquette merit badge. He was disappointed when his request was denied.

Weaver praised the effort and cooperation of the City of Williamsport and the Pennsylvania College of Technology among others for their help in making this Flag March possible.

The parade begins to line up in the area of the Peter Herdic Transportation Museum on Nichols Place at the rear of Park Place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 14 and the parade steps off promptly at 6:30 p.m. and proceeds south to Penn College. Parking is available in the area of the Transportation Museum. Registration for the March takes place while the parade is forming.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to bring their families, banners, and America Flags to join the fun and fellowship.

At 7 p.m. at Penn College, where the parade ends, there will be a National Pledge of the Allegiance recited by all those in attendance. The Repasz Band will be playing patriotic airs as part of the accompanying entertainment.

As usual, the parade will have certificates will be awarded to Largest Scout Group, Largest Youth Group, Largest Family Group, Largest Fraternal Group, Largest Church Group, and Best Decorated Stroller or Wagon.