Title
Proclamation honoring Mr. John L. Kovach, Jr. for his extraordinary efforts to build the South Park Flag Retirement Plaza, the first of its kind in Allegheny County.
Body
WHEREAS, South Park is now home to the “By the Dawn's Early Light Flag Retirement Plaza,” a one-of-a-kind facility that provides a location for patriotic reflection and the proper retirement of our nation's symbol; and
WHEREAS, Mr. John L. Kovach, Jr., a former Marine and Sergeant first class in the Pennsylvania National Guard, was instrumental in designing the hexagonal plaza, surrounded by seven flag poles - one for each branch of the military and one for the American flag - with a burn pit in the center. A deposit box on the site allows visitors to leave soiled, damaged and tattered flags to be incinerated during ceremonies; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kovach engaged children in the project by organizing a Flag Essay Contest, and the site was named by North Catholic High School student Natalie Sippel;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize Mr. John L. Kovach, Jr. for helping create the Plaza, which will facilitate the retirement of our nation's emblem with the respect and dignity it deserves. This Council commends Mr. Kovach for his wisdom in teaching our children the importance of respecting this symbol of our individual and personal liberty, security and freedom.