Veteran Anthony Chatowsky, 89, captured the hearts of his fellow residents and the online community when he sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” during a veterans pinning ceremony at John Clarke Senior Living in Middletown, Rhode Island.
Service and Family Roots
Chatowsky, a native of Providence, spent three decades in uniform, beginning in the Coast Guard and later being drafted into the Navy during the Vietnam era in 1968. He recalls the camaraderie and sense of purpose that defined his service, saying, “The best thing about being in the service was the camaraderie, the people, wonderful people are in the service and of course I was serving my country.”
After a career that took his family across the country, he and his wife Florence settled back in Rhode Island five years ago, moving from Florida to an apartment in the senior‑living community. The couple raised nine children and remain active members of their local faith community.
Patriotic Performance
During a recent Veterans Day celebration, staff presented Chatowsky with a pin commemorating the iconic flag‑raising at Iwo Jima. While seated before the American flag, he asked the organizers for permission to sing a tribute. “Is it OK if I sing a song to the flag?” he asked, and the request was granted.
Taking a microphone, Chatowsky performed the classic anthem, his voice resonating through the hall. Residents and staff joined in, many wiping tears from their eyes. The moment was recorded by Hope Hospice Health staff and posted online, where it quickly gathered more than 17,000 views and hundreds of supportive comments.
Community Response
Viewers praised Chatowsky for his service and his willingness to honor the flag that represents American freedom. “I pray it continues, that this flag continues to fly because it symbolizes our democracy and our government,” he said, adding that the flag reminds him of freedoms such as religious liberty and free speech.
When NBC 10 reporter Sam Read asked if he realized the video was going viral, Chatowsky laughed, “No, haha, I’m an old timer. I’m still learning the cell phone. I’m glad to hear that I’m in the modern age, reaching out to more than just the people in the audience when I sing.”
Faith and Freedom
Chatowsky’s wife has planted red, white, and blue flowers in their garden, giving the couple a direct view of the flag that inspired the performance. The veteran emphasized that the flag stands for the freedoms he cherishes, including the right to worship according to one’s conscience and the ability to speak openly.
The heartfelt tribute underscores the enduring spirit of Rhode Island’s veteran community and the importance of honoring those who have served.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
