This Coastal Connection is sponsored by Baths by Spicer Bros.
BETHANY BEACH, Del. — Every Wednesday morning at 8:30, a group of people gather by the flagpole in Bethany Beach to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, rain or shine.
“It’s a good way to start the day,” said Bob Lawless. “We're Americans, and we're proud of being American.”
The tradition began four years ago and has never skipped a week—no matter the weather.
“We’ve never canceled. Never,” said Tom Molnar of Frankford. “We’ve been here in the snow, the wind, you name it. Ice, too. There might only be a handful of people here, but we’re here, and we still do it.”
Bethany Beach's flagpole features the American flag as well as a tribute to those missing or killed in action.
Participation is open to anyone, whether a year-round local or someone visiting for just a week.
“Some of our members go out on the boardwalk, and we ask people who are here for vacation to come join us,” Lawless said.
For Molnar, the weekly gathering holds deep personal meaning.
“I come out here every week, I look at that flag and think of my father, who fought in World War Two when he was 18 years old,” he said. “I look up there and I see his face every week, and that’s how I visit. That’s how I visit my father.”
After reciting the pledge, the group often sings “God Bless America,” creating a moving moment of unity that resonates beyond the beach.
“We are Americans,” Lawless said. “We’re from different backgrounds, from different parts of the country. We’re here in this glorious area at the beach. And it’s just time for us to stand up and say, hey, we will not be forgotten.”
Anyone is welcome to join each Wednesday at 8:30 a.m there in Bethany Beach.
