A local World War Two and Korean Conflict veteran who recently celebrated his 101st birthday received an American flag Thursday that was flown over the United States Capitol building in Washington D.C. in his honor.
Lazone Grays was presented with the flag in front of his Manhattan home during a ceremony involving friends and family that also included the installation of a new flag pole.
Dan Watkins, commander of VFW Post 1786, was present at the ceremony and says the process of getting the flag for Grays began when he made a phone call to Tyler Mason, Military Affairs Representative for Rep. Roger Marshall,
“He contacted Congressman Marshall and they made it happen,” Watkins said. “We got the flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol for his birthday just because we don’t have a lot of these veterans left, especially World War Two and Korea.”
Mason, who was also present at the ceremony, says seeing the ceremony happen felt “amazing.”
“I actually got the job through the congressman’s office through the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program,” Mason said. “I actually did four years in the Army myself, so this is my bread and butter. That’s why I work veteran relations. Anything to help a vet is my pride and joy. I actually kind of love it. It’s a little hot outside but it’s worth it at the end of the day.”
The new flag, which was donated by the VFW Post Auxilliary, was flown over the U.S. Capitol building on Grays’ birthday on June 4.
According to Mason, those wanting to submit a request to fly a flag over the U.S. Capitol building in someone’s honor can do so through their congressional representative’s office.
Earlier this summer, local community members and veterans celebrated Grays’ birthday by putting on a surprise parade that that went in front of his home.
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