Event to include ties, pies and patriotism
VANCOUVER — Area residents are invited to celebrate Flag Day with the community at the 25th Annual Flag Day at Fort Vancouver, a free family event presented by The Historic Trust and Davidson & Associates Insurance representing Grange Insurance. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. at The Bandstand at Fort Vancouver National Site, across from the Grant House, 1101 Officers Row.
The Flag Day ceremony will include a presentation of the colors, raising of the Garrison flag (the largest size American flag used by the army) by the National Parks Service, the annual Clark County Mayors’ Patriotic tie contest, and a new Patriotic Pie competition.
Ceremony is followed by patriotic kids’ activities including learning proper flag etiquette, singing patriotic songs, mastering marching, and touring a historic landmark. Activities are free and open to the public, and Brownie Girl Scouts have the opportunity to earn their Celebrating Community badge by completing the activities. Pre-registration required to earn badge, visit https://www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar/flag-day/ to register.
Flag Day at Fort Vancouver is a part of The Historic Trust’s Celebrate Freedom program, a series of festive and educational events and programs aimed at inspiring all generations and strengthening community values of leadership, public service, patriotism and lifelong learning. The Historic Trust’s Celebrate Freedom program includes favorite community events like Vancouver’s Fireworks Spectacular on the 4th of July, The Veterans’ Parade, The Marshall Public & Youth Leadership Awards, and Marshall Lectures.
“It is truly poignant seeing veterans, public servants, and the community come together on Flag Day each year to celebrate our flag, its symbolism, and inspire patriotism in our youth, ”says The Historic Trust Interim President and CEO Mike Williams.
In addition to sponsoring Flag Day at Fort Vancouver, Davidson & Associates Insurance with support from its partner, Grange Insurance, is holding a free community Flag Exchange from June 7th-17th, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., excluding lunch from noon-1 p.m.
“Flag Day is such an important way to celebrate our country and Vancouver’s strong commitment to patriotism,” said Emily McCoy, Marketing & Community Relations Coordinator of sponsor Davidson & Associates Insurance. “As part of our commitment to the community, we are honored to sponsor the Flag Day Celebration and provide new flags to our residents to fly high and proud on June 14th.”
Residents can exchange their old US flag for a new 3’ x 5’ flag at the Davidson office, 610 Esther Street, Suite 101 in downtown Vancouver. New flags are available while supplies last, Davidson will accept all old US flags for retirement. Exchanged flags should be removed from poles and dried if wet. Fort Vancouver District Boy Scouts of America will perform proper flag retirement ceremonies for all exchanged flags.
For more information, visit www.thehistorictrust.org.
