With help from the local American Legion Post 9 honor guard, a flag from a Gifford employee was flown Friday, in the inaugural effort of what the hospital is calling ÒMoving Tribute.Ó Gifford is inviting employees and hospital volunteers to fly flags in loved oneÕs memories. The idea formed when employee Tina Grant of East Roxbury, offered to donate her stepfatherÕs burial flag.
John Douglas Page was a World War II veteran and Bronze Star recipient who was in Normandy and witnessed the killing of most of his unit.
Page, who went by his middle name Douglas, raised Grant from age 4 with her mother in New Hampshire. He died on Nov. 2, 1996. Grant has held on to his burial flag since and cried upon seeing it flying for the first time on Friday.
ÒIÕm so proud of his service and the man that he was. He was quiet and strong and took care of his family. IÕm honored that Gifford allowed me to do it (fly a flag in his memory). ItÕs almost like IÕm giving him life back in a way. It was very moving,Ó Grant said. (Herald / Tim Calabro)