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December 15, 2009
ANNUAL GRAND UNION FLAG RAISING SET FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY
Ceremony to Commemorate 234th Anniversary of Flag Raising by General George Washington on Prospect Hill
SOMERVILLE - Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Historic Preservation Commission Director Brandon Wilson announced that the 234th annual "Grand Union" flag raising ceremony at Prospect Hill Park will be held on Friday, January 1, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. The ceremony commemorates the raising of the nation's first official flag, featuring thirteen red and white horizontal stripes, atop Prospect Hill Tower by General George Washington and his troops during their encampment in the Revolutionary War in 1776.
The annual ceremony will begin at City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, at 11:30 am with a procession to Prospect Hill, led by "General Washington" on horseback. The day's program will also include songs, readings, and participants from the Charlestown militia, as well as the Ancient and Honorable Company (first chartered in 1638). The American Legion Post 19 Honor Guard will lead a military salute as a commemorative flag is raised atop the Prospect Hill Tower. All interested participants are welcome to attend in traditional 18th century dress.
Light refreshments will be served, and miniature replicas of the Grand Union Flag, tri-corner hats, historic Somerville books and afghans to commemorate the historic event will be available for purchase.
For more information, or to receive a free, commemorative program, contact Brandon Wilson, Executive Director at the Historic Preservation Commission at 617-625-6600 ext. 2532 or Bwilson@somervillema.gov.
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