Student Volunteers Bring Patriotism to the Commons

The Commons is once again adorned in flags. Ninety-six to be exact. 

A bevy of volunteers gets the area ready each Memorial Day (the flags stay up through Flag Day), July 4th, Veterans Day and Labor Day, which leads up to Sept. 11. The group also puts six flags around the sign catty-corner from the commons. 

The flags first appeared on the square for Memorial Day in 2002 when the Strongsville Kiwanis Club, in search of an idea to honor the victims of 9/11, erected the eye-catching display. 

Member Ken Mraz said, “We were wondering what we could do to commemorate that event. We talked to the city who was in favor, including then-Mayor Ehrnfelt.” 

City workers dug the holes and poured the concrete sleeves that hold the flag poles.

The tradition continues thanks to the efforts of the Kiwanis and student members of the Builders Club from Sts. Joseph & John and , plus local boy scouts and adult volunteers. And according to Mraz, the display generates scholarship money via the sponsorship signs that are place before each flag.

There is a saying, “many hands make light work.”  That’s the case for this ongoing project. All 100 flags are in place in about an hour thanks to the volunteers, many from Boy Scout Troop 701.

Scout Master Scott Horan said the group has been involved since the beginning. “We wanted to increase our role in getting involved and supporting the community. This is right up our alley in terms of citizenship.”

George, a sixth-grader from , said, “It’s fun to put up the flags each time.”

According to Jarrod, a Center Middle School eighth-grader, “this is our way to do our fair share of community service.”

Coincidentally, Center’s moderator of the Builder’s Club is Al Gizzi, an eighth-grade English teacher who currently serves as the president of the Strongsville Kiwanis Club. 

As the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Gizzi relayed a heartwarming ‘flag’ story with regard to his son, Chris.  In 2001, he was a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. When the NFL schedule resumed two weeks after the attacks, Chris, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, was asked to lead the team onto the field as he ran with the American flag. 

Now, 10 years later and since retired, Chris has been invited to return to Green Bay. Tonight, he’ll once again run with the flag as part of the 10th anniversary ceremony that precedes the nationally televised game vs. the New Orleans Saints. He’ll proudly wear his #57 Packers jersey for the event.

Locally, the city and are hosting a collective this Sunday at 6 p.m. which will include representation from area churches. Music begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature a community brass ensemble and choir plus First Lutheran’s contemporary band, Bonofide. Families are welcome and are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.   

‘Extra Credit’ applauds the Kiwanis Club, students and adult volunteers.  Our commons is display of patriotism and community pride!

Our community needs to learn more about its students!  Strongsville City Schools and Sts. Joseph and John administration, faculty, club advisors and student officers are encouraged to submit information including upcoming events, photos, etc.  Email Sharon Galvan at galvan.patch@roadrunner.com.