Board 11 Members Rally Around Brand New Flag

January 19, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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BENSONHURST — There was always something different about the U.S. flag at the front of Community Board 11’s meeting hall.

“It only has 48 stars!” said Board Chairman Bill Guarinello.

The flag board members faced when they recited the Pledge of Allegiance at their monthly meetings in the conference room at Holy Family Home, 1740 84th St., was apparently sewn before Alaska and Hawaii became states.

Guarinello mentioned Old Glory during a conversation he had several months ago with U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm. The two men work closely together on the Fort Hamilton Citizens Action Committee, a group of business and civic leaders striving to keep the army base open.

After hearing about the out-of-date flag, Grimm decided to do something to rectify the situation. The congressman obtained a flag in Washington D.C. and donated it to the community board.

But that’s not all Grimm did. Prior to donating the flag to the board, he had it flown on the flagpole over the U.S. Capitol in a tribute to the board members and the contribution to civic life that members make.

The flag was officially presented to Guarinello and the board at their Jan. 12 meeting at Holy Family Home. Liam McCabe, an aide to the congressman, made the presentation.

“This flag was specially flown over the U.S. Capitol for Community Board 11. It was flown on Dec. 1, 2011,” he said.

“I’m very excited tonight!” Guarinello said.

It wasn’t just the new flag that had Guarinello excited. A veteran of the war in Afghanistan came to the board meeting to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. U.S. Army Specialist Larry Rivera led the pledge in a strong, clear voice.

Board members appeared proud to have an up-to-date flag with 50 stars.