On a day to celebrate the American flag, members of District No. 10, Department of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands also will honor “Old Glory” in a special ceremony. Members of the American Legion Posts within the Virgin Islands will conduct special ceremonies honoring the 241st birthday of the U. S. flag and the 243rd birthday of the United States Army.
The ceremony on St. Croix will be conducted at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 14, at the Myron G. Danielson American Legion Post No. 85 located at No. 2 Hospital Grounds, Christiansted. At this ceremony, the Legion will also be disposing of any unserviceable flags from within the community that need to be destroyed. Businesses and citizens of the community with unserviceable flags may take them to the American Legion Hall for disposal.
A similar ceremony will take place on St. Thomas at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 17, hosted by the Patrick U. George American Legion Post 90, at its headquarters in Sub Base.
A ceremony also will be conducted on Thursday, June 14, at Viggo E. Sewer American Legion Post No. 131 Contant, St. John. (no time given)
The American flag was authorized by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, but commemoration of this significant event was slow in its development. The Stars and Stripes first flew in a Flag Day celebration in 1861 in Hartford, Conn. The first national observance of Flag Day came on June 14, 1877, 100 years after the original resolution establishing the nation’s symbol. Flag Day — the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 — was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson’s proclamation, it was not until Aug. 3, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
Meanwhile, 241 years ago, the United States Army was established to defend the nation. From the Revolutionary War to the current operations taking place around the world, American soldiers remain “Army Strong” with a deep commitment to core values and beliefs. This 243rd birthday commemorates America’s Army – Soldiers, Families and Civilians.
All veterans and the public are invited to join the Legionnaires as they pay tribute to the flag and celebrate the birthday of the United States Army. Anyone with unserviceable flags should take them to the Legion headquarters on the respective island for proper destruction.
