Flag Day is a celebration that marks a very significant milestone in our nation’s history.
On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the “Stars and
Stripes” design as the official American flag. The need for a national flag had become
more urgent as a result of the Revolutionary War, where colonies, milititas, and other
organizations often fought under their own banners. Flying one flag to represent all was
a major step forward in creating our identity as a nation at a time when one’s identity
was tied to the colony in which they lived above all else. Whether or not it was Betsy
Ross that designed and created the first official flag remains a matter of debate, but we
do know that a flag of “13 stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars
of white on a blue field” became the first real symbol of our nation. The number of stars
has grown over the years, but the essence of “Old Glory” remains the same; it is an
enduring symbol of freedom, strength, and unity that we cherish dearly today.
With flag day approaching, the power of this enduring symbol of freedom was already
on my mind, and even more so as our town prepared to honor one of our own fallen
heroes with a street dedication in New City. I was immediately drawn to the importance
of the word “enduring” when we began the process of honoring PFC Lawrence Rose
with a street naming in his honor. Although it’s a small gesture, the sign bearing his
name will be a powerful reminder of his sacrifice, standing for generations to come.
Just last week, the town held a ceremony designating Brook Lane in New City in honor
of the memory of United States Army Private First Class Lawrence Oliver Rose, who
grew up there on Lake Lucille in a home still occupied by members of the Rose family
today. Born on November 4, 1947, Larry Rose was one of our finest and bravest. He
attended Street Elementary School, Clarkstown Junior High, and Clarkstown North High
School. He played football, basketball, and ran track. Many of the kids from the Lake
Lucille neighborhood looked up to him.
After graduation, as the war in Vietnam intensified, Larry answered the call to serve his
country by enlisting in the United States Army. Driven by a profound sense of duty and
selflessness, Larry felt compelled to serve overseas, believing it was his responsibility to
help protect the freedoms we enjoyed at home, including safeguarding the future of his
younger brother, Glenn, who was 12 years his junior. His willingness to place himself in
harm’s way for the benefit of others reflected the courage, sacrifice, and devotion that
defined his character and military service.
Private Rose was assigned to the famous 101st Airborne Division and deployed to
Vietnam after his training. While in Vietnam, Private Rose was assigned to assist with
operations under D Company, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, in the 173rd
Airborne Brigade. As a member of an airborne infantry unit, he served in one of the
most demanding and dangerous roles of the war, carrying out critical missions under
extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Tragically, Lawrence Rose’s life was cut short on June 10, 1968, when he was killed in
action in Vietnam at just 20 years old.
The street sign we unveiled in his honor ensures that Lawrence Rose’s name will never
be forgotten and serves as a reminder to us all that freedom is not free. It is paid for with
the lives of our fallen, remarkable men and women, just like Larry Rose, who was a son,
a brother, a friend, and a member of our community whose future was sacrificed in
service to others.
Generations pass, and memories fade. Speeches and words are soon forgotten, but
some things endure. And just as our flag has endured, so will this symbolic
remembrance of Private Rose. May it stand for generations to come as a tribute to a
great man, taken far too soon.
