Emotional Post 7 ceremony marks flag installation honoring all service branches

ROCHESTER - American Legion Post 7 today installed six flags to honor the country's six branches of the armed forces.

The flags were hoisted up for the first time during an 11 a.m. ceremony under cloudy skies as a light rain fell.

Former Legion commander Bob Talbot introduced the veterans who were to raise the flags and gave a brief history of the founding of each branch of the service, including the Space Force that was put into service by President Trump.

Spaulding High School Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Col. Connor Lempke and program instructor SMSgt Joe Kerrigan unfurl the Space Force flag prior to its raising.

Talbot also told the crowd of about 50 that Post 7 plans to install a brick walkway, and bricks emblazoned with someone's name will be sold as part of the fund-raising.

All of the veterans who raised flags today will get their names on the bricks for free courtesy of the Legion.

A pipe band comprising bagpipers and drummer played the service songs and a heartfelt rendition of "Amazing Grace."

"May this garden serve as a place for us to reflect upon the sacrifice, courage and honor of all veterans, past and present," Talbot said.