81.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeCommentaryOpen forumAmerican Legion Prepares to Salute 239th Birthday of ‘Old Glory’

American Legion Prepares to Salute 239th Birthday of ‘Old Glory’

Dear Source:
On a day to celebrate the American flag, members of District No. 10, Department of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, will honor “Old Glory” in special events. Members of the American Legion Posts within the Virgin Islands will conduct special ceremonies honoring the 239th Birthday of the U. S. Flag and the 241st birthday of the United States Army.
A ceremony on St. Croix will be conducted at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, 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 hosted by the Patrick U. George American Legion Post 90 at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 12, at its headquarters in Sub Base.
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 14 of each year as National Flag Day.
Meanwhile, 241 years ago, the United States Army was established to defend our nation. From the Revolutionary War to the current operations taking place around the world, our soldiers remain Army strong with a deep commitment to our core values and beliefs. This 241st birthday commemorates America’s Army – Soldiers, Families and Civilians
All veterans and the general 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 respective island for proper destruction.
Charles David, District Commander
 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.