Contributing editor
For 237 years, the U.S. Flag has been a symbol of American freedom.
For about three decades, the Town of North East has been hosting a Flag Day ceremony in the North East Community Park.
The event begins at 6:45 p.m. on Flag Day, June 14. During this low key ceremony, the flag is raised. At 7 p.m. the Pledge of Allegiance is recited in unison as it is in other communities across the nation.
"I've been involved since its (Flag Day celebration in North East) inception. It's wonderful to celebrate our country's flag and what it stands for," said North East Police Chief Darrell Hamilton, who assists scouts with the flag raising every year.
North East isn't the only town to celebrate Flag Day.
Rising Sun's Historical Preservation Commission is hoping to make history during the celebration.
The group will host a Flag Day event which will have them singing the National Anthem, simultaneously with other groups across the U.S. on Saturday, June 14, which is Flag Day.
The event will begin at 2 p.m. at the pavilion at the Community Fire Company of Rising Sun, 300 Biggs Highway.
Doug Thomas of the American Historical Theatre will present living history - a characterization of Francis Scott Key.
At 3 p.m., Mike Dixon, representing the Maryland Humanities Commission, will discuss "The Stories of Everyday People in the War of 1812 and the National Anthem."
At 4 p.m., members of the community will join together singing "The Star Spangled Banner".
Members of the Upper Chesapeake Community Band will provide musical accompaniment.
This is in coordination of the Museum of American History and the Smithsonian's special "Raise It Up" celebration of the bicentennial of the National Anthem.
Refreshments will be served and all are welcome to attend. Song sheets will be provided.
American Legion Post 194, Rising Sun will also host the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony a few hours earlier this year. Due to a post event, the ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m. Upper Chesapeake Community Band will play. Boy Scouts and Post 194 Honor Guard members will begin retiring flags at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend. Bring your tattered and worn flags for disposal.