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Colonel Mark Greenwood, commander of the 32nd Infantry Brigade of the Wisconsin National Guard, spoke at a Flag Day celebration June 12 at La Crosse’s Myrick Park.

The annual event, sponsored by the La Crosse County Republican Party, also featured the presentation of the colors by Onalaska American Legion Post 336.

After the presentation of the colors, Republican Party County Chairman Tom Lynch introduced Greenwood, a West Salem resident, who began his talk by noting that he has had the privilege of going overseas numerous times and, because of that, the flag has a special meaning for him.

After mentioning the symbolism of the flag — the 13 stripes representing the original colonies, the white for purity of purpose, the blue representing the surrounding oceans and the stars — he explained that it had a much more personal meaning for him.

“It reminds me of home, of the ability to pursue my dreams, to be with family and to practice my religion. It means all that to me,” Greenwood said.

He concluded by telling those assembled that the 32nd Infantry Brigade, currently stationed at Camp Williams at Volk Field, would be headed overseas in 2009. “It looks like February of next year and there will be 3,400 of us going,” Greenwood said. He said they would probably be assigned to Iraq, even though there is always a chance that it could be Afghanistan instead.

“I would ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we move forward,” Greenwood said..

After Greenwood’s speech and the playing of “Taps,” American Legion Post 336 provided a 21-gun salute. The celebration ended with the retiring of the colors.