WILLIAMSPORT — In downtown Williamsport Tuesday evening, patriotic pride was on display.
Dozens marched down Fourth Street waving their flags on Flag Day.
“That’s what we fought for, that’s what they fought for forever in this country,” said Tom Boyle, a Vietnam veteran from Loyalsock.
“Patriotism,” said Ken Lundy from Williamsport.
“I think it’s a nice event to get out on the town, people getting together, you know community,” said Anton McFadden from Williamsport.
But this act of country pride comes as the nation is still reeling from the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
Forty-nine people were gunned down at a gay night club in Orlando Sunday leaving the country shocked and grieving.
At a ceremony after the parade in Williamsport, the star spangled banner played under a flag at half-staff for the victims.
Many here said the victims were in their thoughts and prayers.
“Yes it is time for us to come together as a country,” said McFadden. “I mean there’s too much of this stuff going on in the world, I don’t know why it’s going on, why people doing these things.”
“It really is hard to comprehend, but that`s why we decided to get out here today, this young lady has had serious health issues but she`s out here walking today, keeping a positive attitude,” said Lundy.
But as the country unites, the division over gun control laws is growing.
Earlier in the day President Obama asked congress to resurrect the ban on assault weapons.
Even here at this Flag Day event, opinions were split.
“Bring us a little bit more aware of where they`re getting these guns from and how they’re getting their hands on these guns so easily,” said McFadden.
“I am very strong pro-gun and what’s being said it a lot of bull,” said Boyle. “Do criminals follow laws, that’s all I have to, it’s that simple.”
