WAKEFIELD — Tom Collins, commander of the Corporal Harry E. Nelson American Legion Post 63, invites everyone to attend the annual Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag on the Veterans Memorial Common by the World War II Monument at 7 p.m. on Flag Day, Sunday, June 14.
Also the leaders and scouts of Boy Scouts of Troop 701 of Wakefield will follow with their annual flag retirement ceremony properly retiring old American flags. During the pause there will be a small talk on Flag Day, saying of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and playing of some patriotic music. The members of AL Post 63 hope to see a large number of townfolk and friends at these most important ceremonies, the Pause and Flag Retirement.
June 14, 2015 marks the 238th birthday of the American Flag. Flag Day was first celebrated in 1777; a year after the Second Continental Congress adopted the pattern of the Stars and Stripes as the National Flag. Some other important historical facts about Flag Day are:
• In 1885, B.J. Cigrand arranged for his pupils in the Fredonia, Wisc. public school district 6 to observe the “Flag Birthday” on June 14.
• Dr. Edward Brooks, superintendent of public schools in Philadelphia directed that Flag Day ceremonies be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square.
• The anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 was officially established by the Proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916.
• Aug. 3, 1949 President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
• The National Flag Day Foundation. Inc. was created in 1982 “to conduct educational programs throughout the in promotion of National Flag Day and to encourage national patriotism by promotion of the PAUSE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.” On June 20, 1985, the 99th Congress passed and President Reagan signed Public Law 99-54 recognizing the PAUSE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE as part of National Flag Day activities. It is an invitation urging all Americans to participate on June 14, 7 p.m. (EDT) in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The effect of this simple ceremony, which transcends age, race, religion, national origin, political and geographic differences, is a stimulating patriotic experience at home and a sign of unity abroad.
The flag is very important to members of the American Legion. We strive to ensure the flag is treated with dignity, protected and displayed and retired properly. The post and Boy Scouts encourage all to attend these important ceremonies.
