Elks Flag Day Program and More

Saturday, June 14

June 14 is a day that is traditionally set aside to commemorate the adoption of the American Flag which happened on June 14, 1777. On Saturday, June 14, Old Glory will get her honor due in Hoosick Falls during the Elks Flag Day Program at the Hoosick Falls American Legion on Main Street.

The program will kick off at 6:30 with HFCS 3rd Grade Teacher Terri Burdick going through the history of the American Flag, after which Tom McMartin from Voice of a Vet will explain a very special Flag Program that has been undertaken in Hoosick Falls to honor local servicemen who are buried on foreign soil.

Adding to local history, this Flag will begin her journey that night as she is formally handed off to Patriot Guard Riders who have offered to escort her to Civil War Cemeteries in the U.S., with her first stop being at Gettysburg. Before she is through, our flag will have flown over every cemetery in the U.S. and overseas where Hoosick Falls servicemen are buried, thus giving them their honor due.

Patriotic music will be intertwined throughout the program by the Hoosick Falls Community Band and students will lead us in a couple of numbers. The Honor Guard will conclude the program with a 3 volley salute and Boy and Girl Scouts will participate, as usual.

To round out the evening, we will enjoy refreshments and have some fun during a Dessert and Art Auction to help raise funds to transport the Hoosick Falls Flag overseas.

World War II Veteran Reverend William Bovard has donated some of his artwork that has a local historical flair, with proceeds primarily benefiting the Flag Program, but also Youth for Christ. His work includes drawings of St. Mary’s Academy, the Veterans’ Wall, the Civil War Monument, the Armory, some envelopes he drew cartoons on that were sent home from war; and he is working on the Bandstand in Wood Park.

Local eateries are donating some of their wonderful desserts, but we know Hoosick Falls has some of the best bakers around, so we're asking community members to also make a donation. If you've got a specialty, please bring it to be auctioned. Desserts should be clearly marked so there is no question as to what they are. You can drop them off between 6:00-6:30 pm at the Legion that day or call Gail at 686-3269 to make other arrangements if you are unable to attend.

As folks are enjoying refreshments after the program, auction items can be viewed. Local legend Ron Seifert or one of his gang will begin auctioning at 8 pm. It's sure to be a lot of fun!

We will have a visual so you can see where the H.F. Flag has already flown and where she needs to go to complete her mission and we will track her along the way. Our hope and prayer is that by next year at this time, we can proclaim that this esteemed Flag that began its journey being flown over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has made its trek over land and sea and flown over every cemetery where our servicemen who were killed in action are buried.

We hope that many community members will come out for this informative, meaningful and fun event. If you have any questions, call 686-3269.