Honors Father, Flag, Country

Photo Vinny DuPre Salvatore Merendino expressed his pride in his American citizenship and his adopted country with his purchase of the enormous flag that hangs between two buildings on a stretch of 34th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets. Merendino, who was legendary on 34th Avenue for continually repeating “God Bless America!” died in 1990, and for the past 13 years his son, Roberto, has carried on the tradition his father made part of his heritage, hanging the flag every Fathers Day and Fourth of July. This year, Roberto Merendino honors his father and his country by hanging the flag for Flag Day, June 14, and Fathers Day, June 15, with the help of his neighbor, Ralph Natale.