MANSFIELD — High on a flag pole outside of the Mansfield Area YMCA, a bright red, white and blue flag waves in the wind today.
Installing a flag pole in front of the YMCA, 750 Scholl Rd, has been CEO Cristen Gilbert’s goal since accepting her position about five years ago.
“This building is 17 years old, and they’ve never had a flag pole here,” Gilbert said. “And I couldn’t believe it.”
Initially, she hoped to have the pole added on Veterans Day 2016, but weather prevented its installation. Undeterred by the delay, she instead organized the event for Flag Day, June 14.
“It’s an under-rated holiday,” she said.
The sun shone down brightly as representatives from the American Legion Color Guard, Post 535 hoisted the flag to the top of the pole and a crowd of people dressed in red, white and blue watched.
Following the flag raising ceremony, the YMCA’s preschool students recited the pledge of allegiance while holding their own miniature versions of the star-spangled banner.
“We are going to do the pledge of allegiance to the flag,” said an excited Andres Sutton, 4.
Meanwhile, an equally energetic Raymire Garrett, 5, expressed his excitement by waving his flag around. He wore a t-shirt reading “man of the house” in red, white and blue colors.
Shortly after they took their seats, Jai Merina of Lucas came to the podium to sing the national anthem.
Gilbert says the YMCA will continue to put up the flag every morning.
This project was funded through a donation made by veteran and YMCA member, Kim Magers, according to a plaque near the pole.
“A generous member and friend gave a donation to the Y, and we asked if we could use it for the flag pole,” Gilbert said.
Near the end of the event, she became emotional, showing how important this was for her.
“This really means so much to me… It’s a dream of mine,” she said.
