Red, white and blue took center stage Friday as the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association held its Flag Day commemoration at the memorial along West Chester Pike in Newtown Square. Besides patriotic songs and flag waving, the day also included the announcement of the 2024 Freedom Medal honorees, the groundbreaking for Veterans Hall and much praise for retired Springfield police chief Joe Daly, who serves as association president. “There is not a person I can think of who better embodies a lifetime of service than Joe Daly.

Joe, for the kids here,” county Councilman Kevin Madden said, “I can’t imagine a better person to model a life well lived.” Delaware County Council partners with the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association to host the Freedom Medal Dinner. This year, on its 10th anniversary, it will be held Thursday, Nov.

14 at the Springfield Country Club. Those to be honored this year include Col. Arthur L.

Jenkins Jr., Army, who also serves as Delaware County’s Military and Veterans Affairs director; Col. Joseph Kirlin, Army; Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Yanuzzi; Sgt.

Kerry Gregory, Marine Corps; Sgt. Matthew Sondermann, Marine Corps; Chaplain John B. Cartwright, Navy; hospital corpsman Ruthie J.

Severino, Navy. The Business Award will be given to Independence Blue Cross, and Sue Serio, Fox 29 weather anchor, will receive the President’s Award. On Friday, the central focus was on honoring the flag.

Flag Day began June 14, 1777 when the Conti.