Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo & Senator Andrew Lanza Host Flag Retirement Ceremony in Travis
On Monday, June 26, 2023, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo & Senator Andrew Lanza hosted a United States Flag Retirement and Disposal Ceremony at the American Legion Gold Star Post 1365 on Cannon Avenue in Travis.
The United States Flag Code requires worn flags be retired from service and disposed of in a dignified matter. The event included a ceremonial burning of cotton flags, and a demonstration of how to retire flags that can not be burned due to toxic chemicals.
Flag Retirement Ceremony. Image Credit – Asm. Sam Pirozzolo
“This event was a celebration of the resilience of the United States and all of those who fought to defend her. It was a beautiful evening honoring our flag and all the fundamental principles it represents – including the service of our Veterans and Active-Duty service members. I want to thank Senator Lanza, the American Legion Gold Star Post & the countless people who came together to make this evening possible.” Said Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo.
Flag Retirement Ceremony. Image Credit – Asm. Sam Pirozzolo
Senator Andrew Lanza said: “A true honor to co-sponsor this event with Assemblyman Pirozzolo, to bid farewell with dignity and respect to our American flags that were no longer serviceable. The spirit of each retired flag endures and lives on in the hearts of patriots. We are eternally grateful to the American Legion Gold Star Post and all those in attendance, especially those who have served and protected our freedom and liberty. May God bless the United States of America and all who have served under our Flag.”
Flag Retirement Ceremony. Image Credit – Asm. Sam Pirozzolo
The ceremony was hosted by the American Legion Gold Star Post 1365, with fire safety overseen by Staten Island’s Oceanic Volunteer Fire Department and a performance of God Bless America by Terry Tarangelo. The colors were presented by the Susan E. Wagner High School JROTC, under the leadership of Colonel Mike Licata, represented by Senior Cadet Jerry Sibri. An invocation was delivered by Chaplain Bob Motisi.
Flag Retirement Ceremony. Image Credit – Asm. Sam Pirozzolo
Flag Retirement Ceremony. Image Credit – Asm. Sam Pirozzolo
Banner Image: Flag Retirement Ceremony. Image Credit – Asm. Sam Pirozzolo
Assemlymember Sam Pirozzolo
Sam Pirozzolo is a native Staten Islander. He is a frequent contributor to the Staten Islander, and is well-known and loved by people on both the Right and Left, in his North Shore community. Sam brings people together, instead of dividing, by speaking common sense and analyzing our island's, and city's, issues, with intelligence and concern for all. Sam Pirozzolo was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 8, 2022. The 63rd Assembly District represents parts of Richmond County. Sam has successfully operated his family’s optical practice for 33 years. He is the past president of Community Education Council 31 where he served for seven years. Some of his most notable accomplishments include the creation of a Gifted and Talented program for middle school students, the recommendation for the NYC Department of Education to hire retired police officers as school resource officers, and the successful fight for the immediate cleanup of toxic PCBs leaking from the light fixtures in school classrooms. As an education advocate, Sam has participated in historic litigation that led to the return of more than $4 billion to New York public schools. He also fought to ensure that co-located charter schools receive the same capital funding as their host public schools. While serving in the Legislature, Sam will work to support law enforcement officers with proper funding, fix broken bail and parole policies, and help small businesses grow and thrive in a stronger, more resilient economy.