New flags a hit at women's vet house
Before, it appeared to be just another yellow brick house in the city.
Now, passers-by will have no doubt that those who cross the threshold served their country proudly.
A ceremony Saturday morning saw local veterans from each branch of the armed forces help raise their flag in a special display at Robin's Home, the residence at North Elm and East Pearl streets that provides supportive housing for female veterans.In addition to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard flags, a Space Force flag was raised.Sam Zurzolo, a retired Marine sergeant major and Butler Township commissioner, said the Space Force flag is the first to be displayed in the county.Al Worsley, a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran and Robin's Home board member, said he and Zurzolo, 81, teamed up to complete the project to honor the female veterans who live at Robin's Home.“Sam about worked me to death,” Worsley said as Zurzolo chuckled.Zurzolo explained that originally the flagpoles were to be mounted in the ground at the property.Instead, Zurzolo contacted Specialty Concrete in Prospect about the project. The company donated all the concrete as well as an employee to finish the small job.Zurzolo brought in his own equipment and excavated the spot before he and Worsley built the form for the concrete.“It shows the veterans are here, and it uplifts the community,” Zurzolo said of the finished display.The two men led a solemn ceremony, during which the representatives of each branch of the military raised their flags at the display.Worsley, Zurzolo and other veterans saluted Old Glory as she was lifted high above the military flags, while civilians placed their hands over their hearts.The American Legion Riders also attended the event to support the female veterans and Robin's Home in general.An open house invited everyone in attendance to tour Robin's Home, which recently underwent a renovation. The project added two bedrooms and a laundry area on the third floor and a conference area in the basement.The two women who live at Robin's Home were thrilled with the flag ceremony.Loretta Smith-Jones, who served in the Army from 1980 to 1986 as a combat medic, has lived at Robin's Home for almost a year.With the guidance of Mary Chitwood, director of Robin's Home, Smith-Jones is studying to be a peer support specialist. She hopes to work with female veterans.Smith-Jones will move out of Robin's Home when her apartment just down the street is finished.“I love this neighborhood,” she said. “The neighbors have been so receptive of us and really welcoming.”Smith-Jones stood straight and saluted as the American flag was raised on Saturday morning. She helped raise the U.S. Army flag, as well.“I think it's really amazing,” Smith-Jones said of the flag display. “It lets people know when they come by here that this place is something special.”Smith-Jones has enjoyed living in Robin's Home.Period woodwork and stained-glass windows compliment uplifting signs throughout the house, which impart wisdom like “Home is such a lovely word,” “Life is good” and “Let your dreams take flight.”“Mary Chitwood is an amazing woman,” Smith-Jones said. “She is an inspiration for all the veterans that we can make our dreams come true.”Ardelia Meriweather also lives at Robin's Home. She served in the Air Force from 1970 to 1972.“They're beautiful,” Meriweather said of the flags. “It lets people know it's a safe home and serves veterans.”Chitwood said NexTier Bank donated $1,000 toward the flag display. Bill Kennihan of Kennihan Plumbing and Heating donated services to complete the third floor renovations and basement conference room.Worsley summed up the thoughts of all the residents, officials, friends and neighbors of Robin's Home as the new flags flew proudly on Saturday.“We're making the best presentation of flags that we could,” Worsley said.
