By Angeljean Chiaramida
SEABROOK — The 50 stars on the American flag represent each state of the union, but to the members of the military who stop at Portsmouth's Pease International Tradeport on their way to or from the Middle East, the stars have taken on a new meaning, thanks to the Pease Greeters.
Pease Greeters meet every military transport plane landing at Portsmouth's Pease airport, once an Air Force base, no matter when it arrives. As part of the 24-hour, 7-day a week tribute, the group offers the country's military men and women food, small gifts and a warm welcome as a way of letting them know how much their service is appreciated by the nation.
In October, Vice President Joe Biden's son, Capt. Beau Biden, was welcomed to Pease on his way home from a tour of duty in Iraq. So impressed with the welcome he received, the captain discussed his experience at Pease on "Good Morning America."
Recently, the Greeters began a new tradition, presenting each member of the military who steps foot on Pease soil with a single, embroidered star removed from a retired American flag. Handing out tiny pieces of Old Glory is a way to remind the soldiers of their country's support for their service, according to to Frank Kervin, a member of the Pease Greeters organization.
"Some people say it's desecrating the flag, but it isn't," Kervin said. "It's a way to extend the life of flags after they've been retired."
Only retired flags with raised, or embroidered, stars are used, Kervin said. After removal, the remnants of the retired flags are burned in a traditional ceremony, as is the custom, he said.
But with the large number of soldiers passing through Pease, acquiring enough retired flags to ensure all soldiers have a piece of Old Glory is a daunting task. As a result, Kervin and Seabrook resident Harry Martel went before selectmen yesterday to request the town's help. Their trip was fruitful.
Not only did selectmen agree to save all of the town's retired flags for the Greeters, they presented Kervin and Martel with one that was recently retired.
"This (program) is something that lets (our service personnel) know someone cares," said Selectman Bob Moore. "I agree with that."
The program was even more personal for Town Manager Barry Brenner.
"Our son just passed through Pease on his second tour in Iraq," Brenner told Martel and Kervin. "I know the good work you do, and it means a lot to the families."
Others wanting to donate old, retired flags with raised stars can contact Martel at 603-474-9781.
The Greeters also prepare gift packages for every soldier landing at the airport. Needed for the packages are donations of lightweight camping and travel-size items, like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, eye drops, saline nose spray, cotton swabs, insect repellent, Blistex, baby powder, DVDs, snacks, and easy-to-open foods like canned tuna or chicken.
Seabrook school children have also collected items for packages.
For more information on the Pease Greeters, visit www.peasegreeters.com.
