Belleville, Nutley Veterans Gather For Flag Raising At ShopRite

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When you see the U.S. flag flying at the Nutley ShopRite, feel free to belt out a version of the “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Earlier this week, a group of military veterans from Belleville and Nutley gathered at the supermarket for a special ceremony. During the event, participants hoisted a 5-by-8-foot U.S. flag on the store’s flagpole, which the Belleville Historical Society presented as a token of appreciation for “decades of outstanding community service.”

The flag was accepted by Nutley store manager Ken Tise and Luke Locurcio, son of store owner Vincent Locurcio.

“For over half a century, the Locurcio and Infusino families have gone far beyond the call of duty in serving our communities,” Belleville Historical Society President Michael Perrone said.

The flag was one of six that flew above Fort McHenry in Maryland in commemoration of Defenders Day in September.

According to nps.gov, known as "Baltimore's oldest holiday," Defenders' Day commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of the nation's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."

• See related article: US Flag From Belleville Flies In Maryland To Honor Defenders Day

The Dec. 2 ceremony at the Nutley ShopRite was attended by veterans from the Nutley and Belleville posts of the American Legion, Amvets, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Purple Heart Society, Sons of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans, as well as active U.S. Army servicemembers.

• See related article: American Legion, Order Of Purple Heart Hold Belleville Ceremony

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