By Scott Brinton
The deep blue flag depicts scenes from Bellmore's beginnings to the present day. It will now be flown at local schools, libraries, firehouses, post offices, veterans halls, businesses and the Bedell House, Bellmore's oldest standing home.
During the unfurling ceremony, Clarence Anspake, president of the Bellmore Historical Society, spoke of the flag's importance as a community symbol and source of pride.
Valenti, whose family has enjoyed a long history in the restaurant business locally, represented the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and introduced each of the numerous community leaders to receive copies of the flag, which will be flown at their various institutions. Many commented how impressed they were by Valenti's impassioned speech. Rona Weiss, the chamber's executive director, was given the honor of hoisting the new flag for the first time at Bellmore's war monument beside the Long Island Rail Road station.
The only sour note of the day was that the Grand Avenue Middle School marching band could not take part in the parade because of heavy rain.
In all, though, the event was seen as a resounding success by participants, with many people saying again and again how proud they are to live and work in a community the likes of Bellmore or North Bellmore.
