It will be a great day for “Old Glory” when the annual Flag Day March is held. It is a little extra special this year — since this will be the 35th time this venerable event will step off. In these sometimes contentious and tumultuous times, this event is a reminder of what is good about America and an excellent opportunity to celebrate that goodness.

The event has been a special and close-to-his-heart-project of Tony DiSalvo, who put the event together 35 years ago and who has been its tireless champion during that whole time. The ravages of age and time are starting to catch up with Tony, so he has handed off the responsibility for coordinating things to younger hands. These younger hands are Robert Weaver, Jr. and Bill Carlucci, both active officials with the Susquehanna Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Weaver and Carlucci expect a strong contingent of local Boy Scouts to participate. Carlucci will serve as master of ceremonies of the event.

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. The trolley is available for those who are unable to walk during the parade. Registration for the March takes place while the parade is forming.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to bring their families, banners and American 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 that 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.

“We would like the City of Williamsport to be recognized. In particular Recreation Director Jess Novinger and Captain Miller of the police department,” Weaver told Webb Weekly. “Without their assistance with PR, permits, traffic plans, barricades and overall coordination this event would not be possible. We are also grateful to Penn College and their police department for all the help they provide.”

He said that several businesses, organizations, and groups were instrumental in providing the funds needed to put the March together. These include The Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County, the Marine Corps League, iHeart Radio, Wegmans and an anonymous donor.

It is emphasized that this is not just a Williamsport event but an event in which people throughout Lycoming County and the surrounding region are encouraged to participate to show your “Red, White and Blue” spirit.