'Pause For The Pledge' on Flag Day

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Compiled by John M. Holman, Legion Post 35 Chaplain

American Legion Post 35 of the Hamptons'

Atlantic News, Thursday, June 14, 2001

[The following article is courtesy of the Atlantic News]

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress authorized the official flag of the United States. Commemoration of this significant event, however, was slow in its development. Although the "Stars & Stripes" first flew in a Flag Day celebration in 1861 in Hartford, Connecticut, the first national observance of Flag Day did not occur until June 14, 1877, 100 years after the original resolution establishing the nation's symbol.

Further recognition of Flag Day was on a low-key basis until 1949, the year when Congress designated June 14 a national holiday.

In 1980, the traditional Flag Day observance was enhanced with the introduction of the "Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance" as part of the holiday's ceremony at the Star Spangled Banner Flag House and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. This feature, under the direction of the National Flag Foundation, has been repeated -— and its acceptance has grown continuously -— during succeeding years.

The American Legion, which continues to fight for a constitutional amendment to protect "Old Glory" from intentional physical desecration, is extending an invitation to the citizens of Hampton, North Hampton, and Hampton Falls to participate in a simultaneous nationwide expression of patriotism and unity on Flag Day 2001.

As part of its local observance honoring the flag of the United States, Hampton's American Legion Post #35 is asking all citizens to join the rest of the nation for the "Pause for the Pledge" of Allegiance on June 14 beginning at 7 p.m., when the Post will be conducting a special Flag Day ceremony at the rear of Fire Station 2 on Winnacunnet Road in Hampton.

First flag to be disposed of by Sr. Vice-Commander
Ralph Fatello & son Max.

At this ceremony, the 'Pause for the Pledge' of Allegiance will be followed by the dignified disposal of unserviceable flags in an honorary flag burning ceremony, assisted by Hampton Boy Scout Troop #177 and the Hampton Fire Department.

Stating that "members of American Legion Post #35 will join millions of Americans across the country in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States" on June 14, Post Commander Joseph Kutt urges "every member of this community to either join us personally at this public ceremony, or take the time privately to say the Pledge, wherever he or she may be, as an expression of respect for the flag of this great nation."


The Pledge of Allegiance

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the Unisted States of
America, and to the republic for which it stands, one
nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all."
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