The Forest Hills Gardens annual Flag Day celebration was held on Flagpole Green on June 13, 2026 with many neighbors in attendance, estimated at over 150 people. Every speaker commented on the beautiful weather and blue skies and sunshine. The festivities began with Master of Ceremonies Tony Barsamian, the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation Flag Day Chair, thanking the many people who attended.
The annual tradition, which is over 100 years old, began with the Procession to the Flagpole led by Boy Scout Troop 349 and the Color Guard from American Legion Post 1424. The elected representatives and the community all joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone in attendance eagerly placed their hand over their heart and saluted the flag.
Isaac Buchalter, an alumnus of The Garden Players, led those gathered in singing The Star-Spangled Banner at Flagpole Green. The elected officials each spoke about Queens’ diversity, patriotism, and the significance of the Flag, especially in these troubled times, and the importance of honoring a century-old tradition within the community of Forest Hills Gardens in a spectacular setting with perfect weather. Many in attendance joined in the celebration and cheered the individual elected representatives’ speeches.
The elected officials included Congresswoman Grace Meng, NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Seth Urbinder representing City Councilwoman Lynn Schulman, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. The 112th Precinct was led by Heidi Chain, President of the 112th Precinct Community Council. In addition, many police officers also attended..
The annual theme for many years has been the reading of essays from local students about the meaning of the Flag. Many students from P.S. 101 School in the Gardens submit their essays into a contest. Four prizes were awarded for the top four essays, which included Akina Hashimoto 5th grade, Adam Mulhem 5th grade, Emma Pelz 3rd grade, and Aashwi Zirel 5th grade. All the speeches received standing ovations and big cheers as the elected officials and the MC Tony Barsamian commented on the optimism and hope for the future when young students are able to discern the significance and meaning of the Flag and convey it in an appropriate essay as to what it symbolizes on Flag Day.
Sunny Knable of The Garden Players led the thematic patriotic songs that were a stirring tribute to the Flag and then performed several songs from their upcoming show, So Far From Home. Betina Hershey, the Artistic Director, and Nick Russo, the Musical Director of theater troupe The Garden Players had a prior commitment and could not attend. However, they supplied a top-notch group of Garden Players led by Sunny Knable to perform several songs
The Forest Hills Gardens renewal committee also had a table at the special Flag Day event to welcome homeowners to the century-old tradition. Tony Barsamian thanked the Forest Hills Gardens office staff Jacquie, Carol and Suzanne for their extra effort in helping make this an even more special event. Barsamian also thanked the crew of The Gardens Corporation for being on hand to help make it happen. Barsamian also thanked the Board Members for their support.
A brief history of the flagpole was explained to the audience by Barsamian who explained that the nearly 100-foot pole was originally the mast of the ship, Columbia, which was the first to win the America’s Cup in 1899 and 1901, and then a few years later wound up in Forest Hills Garden Flagpole Green as a symbol to tower over the community in showing the resiliency and unity of our country through the symbolism of the Flag.
Barsamian concluded the ceremonies by thanking everyone profusely for attending and keeping this famous tradition and institution within Forest Hills Gardens and Queens a vibrant dynamic reality which is celebrated every year and encouraged everyone to join next year, and to please bring even more neighbors and friends and family members to the celebration. This year’s standing room only crowd encouraged everyone to hope for even more attendees in the future with an even bigger celebration going forward in honor of our Flag, our country, and the Forest Hills Gardens historic community.
