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FRAMINGHAM – The City of Framingham will host an outdoor Flag Day Ceremony on Monday, June 14, at 10 a.m. at the Framingham Centre Common.
The ceremony will include a flag raising, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and a National Anthem performance.
“Now that many COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, this ceremony is a great opportunity for the City to come together and celebrate the American Flag, honor the men and women in the armed services, and show our patriotism,” said Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer. “I look forward to celebrating next year, resuming our traditional Flag Day Parade.”
The public is welcome to attend. Overflow parking will be available at the First Parish Church, 24 Vernon Street.
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It was the American fraternal order and social club the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has celebrated the holiday since the early days of the organization and allegiance to the flag is a requirement of every member.
In 1907, it was the Elks who designated by resolution June 14 as Flag Day. The Grand Lodge of the Order adopted mandatory observance of the occasion by every Lodge in 1911, and that requirement continues.
In Framingham, even when the Town or the City did not observe Flag Day, the Elks always observed the day.
It was the Elks who nationally prompted the President to recognize the Order’s observance of Flag Day for its patriotic expression.
SOURCE asked the Spicer administration if the Framingham Elks were part of the ceremony on June 14, 2021, and the City’s spokesperson said “No. But they are welcome to attend.”
Editor’s Note: In full transparency, I am a member of the Elks, and a former Citizen of the Year recipient of the Elks Framingham.
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