The Record Special Sections Tribute to Veterans 11-11-2019 | Page 7

NORTHJERSEY.COM ❚ MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019 ❚ 7
TRIBUTE TO VETERANS
LCPL
Michael A. Schwarz
KIA 11/27/06
Missed and loved by many
A Gold Star Family
CPL.
Steven R. Koch
82nd Airborne Infantry
Lost as KIA on 3/3/09
Missed at home
Kept in our hearts
Remembered forever
Love Always,
Family and Friends
A Gold Star Family
Remember all our Veterans,
returning Combat Troops,
Wounded Veterans, Gold Star Families
and Honor Our Fallen Heroes!
Nam Knights of America
Motorcycle Club
SUPPORT
OUR TROOPS
Those Who Fought • Those Who Died
Those Left Behind • Ride to Remember
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NR-GCI0308319-03
Gates Flag: Proud to Serve
The Community and the Country
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
daughter stepped up for residents in need. “There were
people lined up outside our building waiting for the daily
delivery of flags to our office,” Gates-McCormick recalled.
“We also had flag cases and memorial flag cases piled up
in our garage for the first responders.”
Nearly 20 years later, she hasn’t forgotten the strong
bond forged among members of the community during
that difficult time. “People would patiently wait in line out-
side our store,” said Gates-McCormick, “and hold a place
in line for others who went to pick up food for the group.
What really sticks out is how gracious and kind people
were during that time.”
Coincidentally, the flag
manufacturer with whom
Gates Flag & Banner main-
tains a longstanding business
partnership is also a family
business with ties to New
Jersey. Annin Flagmakers,
founded in 1847, is a sixth-
generation family-owned
company that maintained an
office on Bloomfield Avenue
in Verona prior to relocat-
ing to Virginia. Its corporate
headquarters remains in
Roseland. Robert Caggiano,
vice president of sales at
JEFFREY STECCATO Annin Flagmakers, says Gates
Flag & Banner is perhaps its oldest customer, occupying
a special place among its 300 or so independent retailers.
“I’ve known Lisa for 30 years, and her father William long
before that,” said Caggiano. “He knew everything there
was to know about flags and flagpoles. He was a pillar in the
industry who treated everyone like his best friend. We got
to know them, and they became family to us.”
The close relationship between small businesses and
their communities, he added, has helped companies like Gates
Flag & Banner endure the rise of the big box stores. “If you
want to shop local and speak to some-
one who knows about flags, go to an
independent retailer,” said Caggiano.
“There was always that concern that
small businesses wouldn’t survive, but
they are always needed.”
Like the Gates family, Caggiano is
proud his career has afforded him the
opportunity to give back to American
heroes. His favorite memories, he said,
were visiting the Normandy American
Cemetery in France on the 75th anni-
versary of D-Day and marching in the
Veterans Day Parade in New York City.
PHOTO BY LISA KYLE/NORTHJERSEY.COM
In a show of patriotism
following the terrorist attacks
on September 11, 2001,
customers lined up to buy flags
at Gates Flag & Banner in Clifton.
Patriotism
is a 150-year
tradition for Lisa
Gates-McCormick
and Gates Flag &
Banner in Clifton.
PHOTO BY JEFFREY STECCATO
“I sell a product that maybe not everyone buys, but
everyone appreciates and knows what it stands for,” said
Caggiano. “I’m so proud to say I sell and supply U.S. flags.”
Gates-McCormick echoed Caggiano’s sentiments. “It’s
heartfelt,” she said. “Our employees have been here a very
long time and are all very patriotic.”
She is also excited the family business is in good hands
going forward. Gates-McCormick still partners with her step-
mother Joyce Gates, who is retired but serves as company
vice president and co-trustee. Recently, Gates-McCormick’s
daughter Anna Ebersold and her husband Dan expanded the
family business to Forest, Va., where they reside.
“Watching my grandchildren stack flags and hand them
out at baseball games is great,” said Gates-McCormick.
“The business is flourishing and continuing, and the expan-
sion has brought youth into it.”
She added, “People are so proud of the country we live
in. That’s what our business is — showing pride in commu-
nity, family, people who served. That’s what makes it such
a nice business to be in.”