Queens Gazette

Honoring The Flag In Forest Hills Gardens


Photos Contributed by Herb Chain, Bob Lehrman, and Phillip Barsamian Boy Scouts Troop and Cub Scouts Pack 96 help raise the American Flag.

In the heart of idyllic Forest Hills Gardens on Flagpole Green, the Forest Hills Gardens’ annual Flag Day Celebration took place

(L. to r.): Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Forest Hills Gardens President Matt Mandell, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi holding his Recognition of Service plaque, Master of Ceremonies and Forest Hills Gardens Corporation Board of Directors member Tony Barsamian, and NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.

on Saturday, June 8. Many believe the traditional annual celebration has continued for the past 100 years. Master of Ceremonies Tony Barsamian, a Forest Hills Gardens Corporation Board of Directors member and political liaison, kicked off the proceedings with the procession to the flagpole, by the Boy Scouts Troop and Cub Scouts Pack 96, led by Richard Parlini. Members of the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation maintenance team helped the scouts raise the American Flag.

As the flag was raised, The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, who also sang our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. The borough president made a powerful speech about Queens, The World’s Borough, and its dynamism, charm, patriotism and welcoming aspect as one of the most diverse places in the world. She received enthusiastic applause for her beautiful singing. Katz also joined The Garden Players and the group’s artistic director Betina Hershey, for a stirring rendition of God Bless America.

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz sang The Star Spangled Banner, as MC Tony Barsamian looks on.

The 112th Precinct Community Council President Heidi Chain and members of the 112th Precinct were on hand, including PO John Maser, Community Affairs; and officers Daniel Rivas and Nicole Atkinson, from the Neighborhood Coordination Officers unit.

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi received a Recognition of Service plaque for his outstanding community service in securing a grant for the Station Square historic restoration project in Forest Hills Gardens. Hevesi received a standing ovation as the neighborhood acknowledged his tremendous efforts on their behalf.

Forest Hills Gardens President Matt Mandell and Master of Ceremonies Tony Barsamian, a member of the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation Board of Directors, presented prizes to the four student winners of the annual essay contest: Grace DiLiberto, 6th grade, PS 101; Ella Gentile, 6th grade, Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs; Milana Gadayev, 6th grade, PS 101; Alexa Kunicki, 5th grade, Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs.

Forest Hills Gardens President Matt Mandell welcomed the audience and the participants. NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. made a heartfelt and patriotic speech regarding the community-based nature of this event. He thanked the community for their steadfast dedication and decades-long celebration of Flag Day, noting how he enjoys the special event every year.

Betina Hershey and Nick Russo led The Garden Players with songs from their popular, original family musical, Magic It Up. They also performed a medley of patriotic songs: Yankee Doodle Dandy, You’re a Grand Old Flag and This Land Is Your Land.

Barsamian then announced the annual essay contest winners. The four students were from two schools, PS 101, The

The Gardens Players performed a medley of patriotic songs and music from their original family musical, Magic It Up. They were led by their artistic director, Betina Hershey (r.) and Nick Russo (l.).

School In The Gardens; and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Academy on Ascan Avenue. The four student winners were Grace DiLiberto, 6th grade, PS 101; Ella Gentile, 6th grade, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs; Milana Gadayev, 6th grade, PS 101; Alexa Kunicki, 5th grade, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs. The Flag Day essays were all based on what the flag means and about its importance in our culture, and to being American and inclusive, and at the same time patriotic. They were presented with prizes by Matt Mandell and Tony Barsamian, representing the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation.

The Forest Hills Gardens office team, led by Jacquie Silano, Carol Preus and David Moon organized the event’s

Boy Scouts Troop and Cub Scouts Pack 96.

activities and secured the prizes on behalf of The Forest Hills Gardens Corp. Mitchell Cohen, former president of Forest Hills Gardens, helped with the microphone and sound system. The event, with well over 150 in attendance, was well received by those in the audience. Forest Hills Gardens board member Barsamian encouraged continuing participation in the annual Forest Hills Gardens Flag Day Celebration succeeding years, so

Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi gave a speech about his love of the community. He was joined by MC Tony Barsamian.

that 100 years from now the community would still be spreading positive patriotic feelings and continuing the greatness that is America, the diversity that is Queens, and the special, unique role that Forest Hills Gardens plays in New York City’s history.

 

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