A piece of history flew in Hubbard Dec. 7 for the first time in exactly 70 years.
Gary Lynn, an employee of Hubbard Township Police Department, presented at 48-star United States flag that has been in storage since Dec. 7, 1941, the day Japanese fighter planes attacked Pearl Harbor.
That day, the flag flew outside the home of Lynn's grandparents, Steve and Julia Tickey at 351 Erie St, .
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Gary Lynn, right, and Township Police Chief Todd Coonce, center, watch as Lynn’s flag is lowered to half-mast Dec. 7 at the township police station during a Pearl Harbor memorial ceremony. the 48-star flag has not been flown for 70 years, since it was mounted outside Lynn’s grandparent’s house that day in 1941. Lynn’s grandmother, Julia Tickey, later gave it to Lynn for safekeeping.
Lynn said after hearing of the attack, his grandparents knew the flag had become a piece of history. They folded it and stored it. Lynn's grandmother later gave him the flag.
Following a Dec. 7 ceremonial lowering of the flag to half-mast, Lynn spoke of the flag's meaning with historical and personal perspective.
"As we gaze at the 48-star flag today, it means something different to everyone. It means more to me than just a memento from my grandmother," he said. "To me, I see a place and time in history that is fading."
Lynn said he felt the historic flag would serve as a tangible reminder of 3,317 service people and civilians that were killed the last time the flag was flown. He also reminded those in attendance that the United States swiftly responded.
"I just want you to know one thing," he said. "Of the six Japanese aircraft carriers that were there, within six months the United States sunk four of them at the Battle of Midway."
The flag lowering was accompanied by the playing of Taps and a 21-gun salute, issued in three volleys from seven guns by Hubbard VFW Post 3767.
Following Lynn's remarks, Tony Kavalesy of the VFW post offered a brief historical synopsis of the 48-star flag and thoughts on Lynn's contribution.
"The 48-star flag flew longer than any other flag in U.S. history," Kavalesy said. "The future of this flag is in the hands of Gary and his descendants."