Litchfield Park continues military flag-raising tradition

Each ceremony reflects Litchfield Park’s strong military connection and long-standing support for both active-duty military and veterans.”

— Yosha Brunson Kuhl, Litchfield Park director of communications

For about two decades, a simple tradition on the lawn outside Litchfield Park City Hall has given residents a reason to gather, look up and remember the people behind the uniforms.

The city will continue its military flag-raising series with two remaining ceremonies this year, honoring the Marine Corps in November and the U.S. Space Force in December.

The Marine Corps ceremony will take place 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, recognizing the branch’s 251st anniversary as well as Veterans Day. The Space Force ceremony is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, ahead of the branch’s seventh anniversary on Dec. 20. Both will be held on the City Hall lawn, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd.

The tradition dates to around 2006, when the late Harold Duessel, a Litchfield Park resident and Cityscape Commissioner, suggested the city fly each military branch’s flag on its anniversary.

What began as a way to mark those dates has become a longstanding community tradition.

“Beyond providing another opportunity for the community to connect, we hope attendees recognize and appreciate the dedication, service and sacrifice members of the military and their families provide,” said Yosha Brunson Kuhl, Litchfield Park’s director of communications.

While speakers vary from one event to the next, each ceremony follows a familiar rhythm.

Attendees can expect a presentation of the colors and the raising of the branch flag, along with a brief history of the military branch being recognized. Veterans and active-duty personnel are also acknowledged.

Mayor Thomas Schoaf presents a proclamation, and city leaders often share their own connections to the branch being honored. A military representative or member of the veteran community typically offers remarks as well.

The ceremonies also bring together organizations with close ties to military families.

Brunson Kuhl said American Gold Star Mothers, Blue Star Mothers of America, the Goodyear Fire Department and Avondale Police Department regularly attend. When school schedules allow, members of the Litchfield Elementary School Flag Club also participate.

That gives some of the city’s youngest residents a role in a tradition that has now spanned generations.

“Each ceremony reflects Litchfield Park’s strong military connection and long-standing support for both active-duty military and veterans,” Brunson Kuhl said.

That military presence is particularly visible in Litchfield Park because of nearby Luke Air Force Base. Many active-duty service members, veterans, civilian employees and their families live in the community, Brunson Kuhl said, giving the ceremonies a local significance beyond the anniversaries themselves.

The city’s connection to Luke was also on display earlier this year, when the 62nd Fighter Squadron participated in a flyover during Litchfield Park’s Memorial Day ceremony.

Still, the flag-raising events are intended for more than those with a direct military connection.

Brunson Kuhl said residents who have never attended are welcome to join the city for the final two ceremonies of the year.

“These events are an honored and beloved community tradition; a great introduction to the community, an opportunity to celebrate its patriotic heritage, and a wonderful way to spend the morning with friends on the front lawn of City Hall,” she said.

The Marine Corps flag-raising ceremony begins at 8:15 a.m. Nov. 10, followed by the Space Force ceremony 8:15 a.m. Dec. 18. Both will be held on the Litchfield Park City Hall lawn, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd. Ceremonies will be canceled in the event of rain or strong winds.