Flag Day program set for June 14 in Ocala

A large American flag flies between an Ocala Fire Rescue tower truck and a Marion County Fire Rescue tower truck during an event at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

The Marion County Veterans Council works to support veterans, preserve patriotic traditions and promote community awareness of the sacrifices made by members of the United States Armed Forces. The council provides a voice for more than 50 area veterans organizations and interacts directly with the Marion County Veterans Service Officer.

On June 14, members of the community are invited to attend the council’s annual Flag Day program at 3 p.m. at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Park in Ocala.

The event will celebrate the American flag and the values it represents through a program featuring winning essays from local fourth- and fifth-grade students. The students will present their essays on the theme, “What the Flag Represents to Me,” sharing their thoughts on patriotism, citizenship, freedom and respect for the nation’s most recognized symbol, according to the news release.

“Through educational programs, commemorative events and community partnerships, the council helps honor the service and legacy of America’s veterans,” according to Suzanne McGuire, event coordinator and secretary of the council, in the press release.

Attendees also will witness a dignified flag retirement ceremony conducted in accordance with established traditions for honoring worn and unserviceable American flags. The ceremony serves as a meaningful reminder of the respect due to the flag and the ideals for which it stands, the release noted.

“This event provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of our national flag while encouraging our students to learn about patriotism and what service looks like from classroom visits from our veterans,” McGuire shared.

According to history.com, “when the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.

“For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.

“On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation. Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.”

The Flag Day program in Ocala is free and open to the public. Families, veterans, civic organizations, educators, students and community members are encouraged to attend and support the participating students. The park is located at 2601 E. Fort King St.

To learn more, email [email protected] or find the council at fb.com/mcvetcouncil