Flag Day to be celebrated twice where it all began

Both of Ozaukee County’s celebrations of Old Glory this year will be held in Waubeka on Flag Day, June 14.

The National Flag Day Foundation will host its annual event at the Americanism Center, and the Ozaukee County Historical Society will hold its observance at Stony Hill School.

A shuttle will run from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. between the two events.

National Flag Day Foundation event

The National Flag Day Foundation’s schedule includes a welcome reception with veterans and honored guests at 10 a.m. Food stands and trucks will also be open.

A musical prelude under the pavilion starts at 11 a.m. A program, announcement of essay contest winners and the VIP drawing will be held at 11:30 a.m.

This year’s guest speaker is retired Navy Captain Scott “Mongo” Janik. He flew jet aircraft and was deployed across the Middle East, Mediterranean and Western Pacific, including a combat deployment to Afghanistan as a squadron commanding officer, during his 30-year career.

Other guests to be recognized are VFW Wisconsin State Commander Renee Simpson and VFW Wisconsin State Auxiliary President Charlene Cobb.

The annual parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m.

After the parade, the University of Wisconsin Marching Band will perform its famous 5th Quarter show, and the Random Rockin Grannies from Random Lake will perform its Spread the Cheer routine.

Family events, special displays, music, games, prizes and the opening of museums start at 3 p.m.

Liquid Crush will perform music at 5 p.m.

The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.

The Americanism Center is at 4200 Valley View Drive.

Stony Hill School celebration

Stony Hill School’s schedule includes an open house and family activities from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

Blue Louis will perform music from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Flag Day program at the school starts at 4 p.m.

People may interact with actors portraying the Cigrands and enjoy historic games, themed scavenger hunts and Flag Day crafts for all ages.

Displays highlighting Bernard Cigrand and the history of the flag will be on display.

People may also tour the school, where Flag Day was born.

History of Flag Day

The Stars and Stripes was designated the official National symbol of the United States by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. It was resolved in the Journal of the Continental Congress “that the flag of the 13 United States be 13 stripes alternate red and white; that the Union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation,” according to the National Flag Day website.

In 1885, in Waubeka, 19-year-old Bernard J. Cigrand placed a 10-inch, 38-star flag in an inkwell on his desk at the front of his one-room classroom. He prompted his students to write an essay about what the flag meant to them, referring to that day, June 14, as the flag’s birthday. From that day on, Cigrand dedicated himself to inspiring not only his students but all Americans to reflect on the significance of Old Glory.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 National Flag Day, proclaiming, “The Flag has vindicated its right to be honored by all nations of the world and feared by none who do righteousness.”

On Aug. 3, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress recognizing the holiday of Flag Day and encouraging Americans to celebrate it.

On June 14, 2004, the 108th U.S. Congress unanimously voted on H.R. 662 declaring Flag Day originated in Waubeka, Ozaukee County, Wis.