Real Gadoury, former chair of the project, says its 'the most beautiful project in the Berkshires.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An army of American flags sway in the wind on Park Square as a part of the Kiwanis Club of Pittsfield's annual fundraiser.
The Park of Honor had its opening ceremony on Saturday. More than 100 flags were sold, totaling over $2,500 raised for scholarships that support children and grandchildren of veterans.
"This is just an amazing opportunity for all of us to recognize our veterans, past and present," President Curtis Janey said.
He pointed out that there are veterans serving everywhere whether they are first responders, bankers, lawyers, or doctors.
"We have veterans serving in every facet of our community and this is just one of the ways we say thank you to them," Janey said. "And they drive by Park Square and they see all these flags flying."
The project has been going on for a decade and has raised thousands of dollars. The flags remain in the park for a month.
"We have been doing this for a while and every year it's just as beautiful as the year before," Cheryl Tripp-Cleveland, former Kiwanis president, said.
"It signifies something so special especially now. In our times of trouble that we live in, our veterans are more important than ever. Let's all keep them in mind, in our prayers, and our thoughts every day and thank them for their service, for letting us, allowing us to have something like this every year to save our democracy and our independence, and let's not forget any of them and pray that they will all come home safely."
Former chairman Real Gadoury has a great love for the project, as it has given the Kiwanis Club a name in the community while honoring veterans and supporting their families.
"This is the most beautiful project in the Berkshires," he said.
Gadoury announced that he will be returning to the club next year and looks forward to working on the project.
Councilors at Large Peter White and Karen Kalinowsky, Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren and Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey represented the city at the event.
"On behalf of the city of Pittsfield and the City Council, I really want to thank the Kiwanis Club of Pittsfield for bringing this beautiful moving display to thank our veterans and to let our troops currently serving know that we support them, while also providing good citizenship awards to the youth of Berkshire County," White said.
"Really, there's nothing more important than supporting the youth and it is always a great honor to be here."
He was amazed by the display when he saw it for the first time and pointed out that it was immortalized in a painting by local artist Marguerite Bride.
Kiwanis member Vickey Mazzer thanked all who have sponsored a flag, explaining that it goes to Berkshire County children of veterans so they can further their education.
It's an emotional thing for the Kiwanis president, as he served for 12 years in active duty as a Marine and has had eight brothers serving in the Army.
"I appreciate all of my brothers and sisters that served in the Army but more importantly, I appreciate — I call them my elders — the ones that came before me when I started serving," Janey said.
"To see these gentlemen show up year after year, and carry these flags and present the colors and to do the things that they do for us is the way they represent not only the nation but this county as well."
A small table set for one stood at the front of the ceremony. It symbolized the fact that members of the armed forces — POWs and MIAs — are missing from the ranks.
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