Cape May Kiwanis Club

Cape May Kiwanis Sunset Flag CeremonyCape May Kiwanis Sunset Flag Ceremony

Memorial Day through Patriots' Day

Every evening at sunset, members of the Cape May Kiwanis Club gather at the western end of the promenade - the Cove - for a patriotic event with music and a Kiwanis Club Member as Master of Ceremonies. 

Watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in New Jersey as it sets behind the lighthouse. And bring your camera!

We invite children to JUST SHOW UP and help us lower the flag. Each child receives a certificate signed by the Mayor of Cape May and the President of the Kiwanis Club, indicating their participation, for show-and-tell about their vacation.

Please join us!

 

Veteran Recognition Soldiers' Project

In conjunction with daily flag lowering, miniature toy soldiers are distributed to attendees to remind them of the soldiers who have and are serving our country. 

 

History of the Flag Lowering Ceremony and Patriot Day Remembrance for September 11

Every evening from Memorial Day through September 11th Kiwanians gather together a small group of young people to join them in lowering the flag at day’s end. They teach the children flag etiquette and how to properly fold it into its traditional triangular shape. Each participant receives a certificate signed by the Cape May City Mayor proclaiming their participation and an American Flag lapel pin. Many take their certificates to school for show-and-tell about their summer vacations. This tradition is the brainchild of Kiwanian Robert Elwell, former Mayor of Cape May, a Cape May lifeguard, and life-long fire fighter. Bob was the driving force behind the building of the pavilion. September 11 denotes the last day of the summer season for the flag lowering ceremony until next year.  Learn More: 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony

 

Kiwanis Club of Cape May Remembers Tony Williams

Tony Williams, a Kiwanian for over fifteen years, passed away December 18, 2017. Tony was one of the “old guard” made up of a core of members who served the club with heart and soul during the last three decades. Tony was quiet, and yet, a person who sought out challenge and met it with leadership in his service to the club and the community.  In 2007, Tony formed the first car raffle committee. Over the past ten years, this small step began the largest fundraiser in the history of the Kiwanis club organized in 1923 and one of the largest Kiwanis clubs in New Jersey.  Car raffle proceeds are designated to provide scholarships for our local students going on to college.  The Kiwanis Car Raffle committee and club members have made their goal every year since its inception. Tony was steadfast for years in attending Conversation Comrades at the Cape May Elementary school, the flag lowering ceremony, along with other duties he took on as needed to keep the club in good order. Tony served as club President from October 2007 through September 2008.

Read More: Kiwanis Club of Cape May Remembers Tony Williams

 

 

Vince Panzano, the USS Quincy (CA-71)  D-Day June 6, 1944, the Battle of Okinawa, and the Surrender of Japan

In the history of the flag ceremony, we include the late Vince Panzano, a devoted Kiwanian in our community. Vince served as a second class pharmacist’s mate for 26 months aboard the USS Quincy (CA-71) — a heavy cruiser.

Vince and the Quincy were everywhere in the action during WWII. They bombarded enemy-held territory in both the European and Pacific War zones. They saw action in the Normandy invasion at Utah Beach on June 6, 1944 in support of troops in southern France. They were involved in the Battle of Okinawa, fought their way across the Pacific, and entered Tokyo Bay for the surrender of Japan.

Mr. Panzano and fellow crew members were awarded four Bronze Stars and the Victory Medal for their service. Vince Panzano was the one of the “Greatest Generation” who fought for our country.

Vince was an active Kiwanian and adopted our sunset flag ceremony as his favorite project. He participated almost every night throughout the summer months for many years. Even when he became wheelchair bound he would appear at sunset to make sure the ceremonies went off without a hitch.

Vince left us on November 12, 2012. His spirit continues to reside here at the sunset end of Beach Avenue. His license plate was “June 6”.

 

Vince Panzano - Kiwanis Club of Cape May

Vince Panzano - Cape May Kiwanis

 

Flag Lowering Ceremony Cape May NJ  Flag Lowering Cerermony - Flag Folding

Flag Lowering Ceremony Dad and Son  Flag Lowering Ceremony - Group