Flag Day Ceremony

There are a few things that make me especially proud to call Porterville home; one of them is the annual Flag Day ceremony.  Tomorrow is Flag Day, so I thought this would be a great time to encourage families to come celebrate. 

The 30th Annual Flag Day Ceremony is Tuesday, June 14th at 6:30pm (ceremony starts at 7pm) in the parking lot at the Savemart on Olive Avenue and D Street. 

Wear your red, white, and blue and bring a chair.  Get there a little early, as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts sell inexpensive hot dogs and drinks as a fundraiser.  The Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and the Exchange Club of Porterville will distribute small flags to wave, flag lapel pins, and balloons. 

The ceremony starts off with the presentation of the colors, flag salute, and singing patriotic songs (I love hearing my daughter sing "Grand Old Flag").  Local high school bands provide live music.  All of the local "princess types" are in attendance (My daughter was delighted to get a picture with a few of them!).  The Boy Scouts show all of the former flag designs of the United States.  There are a few speakers noting the importance of our flag, patriotism, honoring veterans, and showing respect for the men and women defending our country.  The best part of the ceremony is the lowering of the 24'x40' flag, watching community members fold it, and the unfurling of the new flag.  The old flag is then disposed of in a fire pit (you may dispose of your own worn flag as well).  The ceremony is ended with a balloon release.  Stay for free refreshments as there is a HUGE American flag cake for everyone to share (I wish I had a picture of it).  This was the most impressive part for me when I attended as a child.     

Please plan to teach your children to show respect by sitting quietly during the ceremony.  Although much of the ceremony is not geared toward small children I think it's a great family tradition.  I have been attending with my daughter since she was a year old and now she looks forward to the celebration as well.