MV Rally Round the Flag

Burgers, planes, and patriotism marked the celebration of the 12th Annual Rally ‘Round the Flag Barbeque last Friday, June 14 at the March Field Air Museum here in Moreno Valley. The museum was closed for the event and brought in around 100 attendees. The fundraiser generated proceeds to be donated to the men and women of the March Field Air Base, both deploying and returning, a scholarship fund for veterans, and the March Field Air Museum. The barbecue was open to residents of Moreno Valley and surrounding communities. Tickets were priced at $35 per person and $20 for active military members. The event started with a welcoming from the President of the March Field Air Museum, Jamil Dada, who personally attested to the greatness of the country and its people. “I should thank all of you for allowing me to come to this country as an immigrant and be able to welcome you here today to this event. This couldn’t happen in any other country.” After giving appreciation to the sponsors of the event, the March Field Honor Guard presented the colors of the nation while the Moreno Valley Master Chorale sang the National Anthem in the background. A final presentation, the flag-folding ceremony, was performed by the March Field Honor Guard and then lunch was promptly served. “Patriotic Fantasy,” “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America” were all performed by the Master Chorale while the guests enjoyed their dinner. The annual Rally Round the Flag event had humble beginnings and Laura Froehlich was one of the original inspirations for the event. Froehlich was active around the March Field Air Base and would take it upon herself to make peanut butter sandwiches for troops who would deploy and return from the airbase. Eventually, her presence became a sign of homecoming for troops returning and a source of comfort for those being deployed. Froehlich would be given the name “Flag Momma” from troops and staff around the base and was an essential part of the Military Affairs Committee in Moreno Valley. Craig Donahue, a friend of Mr. and Mrs. Froehlich, comments on her efforts to see as many troops off as possible: “It was like the sun coming up in the east; the troops came to expect her to be there when they returned.” Unfortunately, Laura Froehlich passed away August 1st last year, but her husband, Larry Froehlich, remains an active Military Affairs Committee Co-Chair and Volunteer Coordinator for the “Feeding the Troops” program at the base. The event came to a close with a presentation from Patricia Korzec, a historian who told the history of America’s flags and how they came to be created and designed. The event will continue to be held annually and donations are still being accepted from those who would like to contribute. Contact the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce at 951-697-4404.