Honoring the flag

The U.S. flag is displayed during a Flag Day ceremony at the Center of Anna Maria Island that involves the center’s day camp kids, first responders and military veterans from the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Air National Guard. Military veterans, along with first responders with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and West Manatee Fire Rescue District, participated in the event, which included a recognition for veteran and center member David Lessing. Islander Photos: Courtesy CofAMI/Sam Parker

Lt. Dan Tackett with the West Manatee Fire Rescue District shows center campers firefighting equipment during a program on Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the nation’s flag on June 14, 1777.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Moore of the Palma Sola VFW Post 10141 presents U.S. flags June 14 — Flag Day — to summer campers at the Center of Anna Maria Island, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. About the center’s program, executive director Chris Culhane told The Islander: “Our Flag Day ceremony was brought about by one of our local donors. Gabe Fenton of the Intuitive Foundation helped us create this program to teach the kids about the flag and its meaning. At this ceremony, Gabe dedicated a retired flag to a former veteran from the U.S. Air Force — Dave Leising.