Flag Day

HAGERSTOWN -- One year younger than the nation it symbolizes, Old Glory celebrated its 233rd birthday Monday with a small gathering in University Plaza and a performance by a veteran of the event, 10-year-old Abigail Nigh. "She gets better every year," Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II said after Nigh sang Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" before a group of about 40 participants and spectators at the Flag Day ceremony. "I think it's four times," Abigail said when asked how many times she has performed at Flag Day. Nigh was one of two young singers at the ceremony.

White stars set upon a field of blue, representing a new constellation in the night sky, lie near 13 stripes of red and white. On days of peace and joy, it flies high in the sky. In times of grief and loss, it is lowered to half-staff out of  respect for the fallen. And whether it is called Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes or the Star-Spangled Banner, each June 14, Americans honor their flag. The city of Hagerstown held its annual Flag Day celebration Tuesday at University Plaza.

While the stars and stripes of the American flag fly high on a daily basis, one day a year, the red, white and blue banner is the object of particular reverence. About 40 people gathered to recognize Flag Day Wednesday afternoon at Hagerstown's annual celebration of the holiday at University Plaza. An AMVETS Post 10 color/honor guard, the Marine Corps League of Hagerstown and Boy Scout Troop 2 all attended the ceremony. Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II and Robert Stouffer Jr., commander of the Sons of AMVETS Department of Maryland, spoke about what the holiday means to them.

by JOE CROCETTA / staff photographer enlargement Sandwiched between Memorial Day in May and Independence Day in July, Flag Day gets shortchanged. That's something Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II would like to change. Bruchey, who presided over a small ceremony Sunday at Public Square, said Flag Day ought to inspire the same deference other national holidays do. "It's a Sunday and I know people have things to do," he said. "But the people who showed up here today also had things to do, and they still showed.

HAGERSTOWN Hagerstown officials took a moment Wednesday morning to honor the stars and stripes in celebration of the 229th anniversary of the American flag. "Flag Day is for one flag, our national flag ... Old Glory," said Rusty Baker, commander of AMVETS Post 10. As part of the 27th annual National Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance, members of Girls Inc., led about 25 people in the pledge at University Plaza. Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II used the occasion to announce his plan to alter the plaza in time for next year's Flag Day. "I'm going to push to have at least a 40-foot flagpole there," he said, "and a plaque dedicated in honor of veterans.

shappell@herald-mail.com SMITHSBURG - The air temperature was hot Tuesday, but it was nothing compared to that of the flames engulfing the tattered American flags that were "retired" during a Boy Scout ceremony in Smithsburg. Boy Scout Troop 14's first flag-retiring ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park was held in conjunction with Flag Day. About two dozen people, most of whom were active scouts or their parents, attended. Scoutmaster Jeff Weaver said 28 flags were collected for the ceremony.

by Don Aines enlargement CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - There are times when burning the American flag is the right thing to do. Life Scout Aaron Kakiel, of Boy Scout Troop 128, plans to burn dozens of them on Flag Day. When Old Glory is so tattered, torn, faded or soiled that "it is no longer fit to serve as the symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner," according to "Our Flag," a...

The U.S. flag was the center of attention during a Flag Day ceremony in Hagerstown's Public Square. April Benner kicked off the celebration honoring the red, white and blue by singing the "Star-Spangled Banner. " Lewis Metzner, Hagerstown City Council member and emcee for the ceremony, said Flag Day is an another day to remember those who served their country and the symbolism that the flag represents. "I want to thank all the veterans who served in wars," Metzner said.

By DAVE McMILLION Staff Writer Washington County politicians called for a ban on flag burning and increased patriotism in the country during a Flag Day ceremony in downtown Hagerstown Saturday. Although he supports the First Amendment, Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II said he wants a ban on burning the U.S. flag. Washington County Commissioner Ronald L. Bowers said respect for the flag has de-clined, and people need to show renewed honor for their country. "We do need a little more patriotism in our heart.

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14 of Hagerstown presented Fahrney-Keedy Home & Village with an American flag and a Maryland flag for Flag Day. Stephen L. Hansen, Fahrney-Keedy President Jay Shell and Robert Blair accepted the flag.

While the stars and stripes of the American flag fly high on a daily basis, one day a year, the red, white and blue banner is the object of particular reverence. About 40 people gathered to recognize Flag Day Wednesday afternoon at Hagerstown's annual celebration of the holiday at University Plaza. An AMVETS Post 10 color/honor guard, the Marine Corps League of Hagerstown and Boy Scout Troop 2 all attended the ceremony. Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II and Robert Stouffer Jr., commander of the Sons of AMVETS Department of Maryland, spoke about what the holiday means to them.

Fly your American flag proudly on Thursday in honor of National Flag Day. The idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. B.J. Cigrand, a school teacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wis., Public Schools, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of “The Stars and Stripes”) as “Flag Birthday.”  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. Ravenwood volunteers Students at Salem Avenue Elementary School in Hagerstown were fortunate again this year to have volunteers visit from Ravenwood Lutheran Village.  Residents Juanita Shank, the late Sara Zenge, Susan Logan and Ellen Phebus, along with staff members Abby Housel and Susan Zimmerer, visited teachers Sara Dillow's and Sandy Melton's classes about twice a month.

Activities and programs scheduled for Monday, June 11, through Friday, June 15, at senior citizens centers in Washington County, Md., and Franklin County, Pa.: Maryland Francis Murphy 20014 Rosebank Way, Hagerstown 240-313-9300, ext. 154 Lunch served Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 11:30 a.m.; and Wednesday at 11 a.m. Cards or games - Monday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. ...

Thanks shared to all who fought North Cannon Avenue fire To the editor: This letter is a heartfelt thank you for a job very well done. This is for all of the Hagerstown and Washington County firemen and firewomen and all who fought the fire on North Cannon Avenue on May 23. What a fantastic job they did in a difficult situation. Not to mention the heat and all the heavy gear they wear. These professional firefighters were the nicest and most considerate paid and volunteers anyone would encounter.

White stars set upon a field of blue, representing a new constellation in the night sky, lie near 13 stripes of red and white. On days of peace and joy, it flies high in the sky. In times of grief and loss, it is lowered to half-staff out of  respect for the fallen. And whether it is called Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes or the Star-Spangled Banner, each June 14, Americans honor their flag. The city of Hagerstown held its annual Flag Day celebration Tuesday at University Plaza.

The American Legion Auxiliary, Antietam Unit 236, will place a collection barrel at the Sharpsburg Town Hall from April 15 to May 21, where residents can place worn American flags for proper disposal. Antietam Unit 236 reminds all Americans that every day is a good day to display an American flag in good condition, but it is especially important to display them on patriotic holidays such as Memorial Day, May 30; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, Sept.

What are your plans for the Fourth of July weekend? Interested in a parade? Outdoor music? Some place to take the family? The choices are plentiful in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and Franklin County, Pa. Here are a few samples: Waynesboro, Pa. o Country music artist Sean Patrick McGraw brings his country-rock band to Waynesboro's Summer Jubilee from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Other entertainment will feature music...

HAGERSTOWN -- One year younger than the nation it symbolizes, Old Glory celebrated its 233rd birthday Monday with a small gathering in University Plaza and a performance by a veteran of the event, 10-year-old Abigail Nigh. "She gets better every year," Hagerstown Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II said after Nigh sang Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" before a group of about 40 participants and spectators at the Flag Day ceremony. "I think it's four times," Abigail said when asked how many times she has performed at Flag Day. Nigh was one of two young singers at the ceremony.

o Read more Harry Nogle columns at washingtoncountyliving.com Samples Manor to hold spring revival The Samples Manor Church of God, at 2128 Harpers Ferry Road near Dargan, will hold a spring revival from Sunday, April 11 to Sunday, April 18, featuring the following speakers and musicians: o Sunday, April 11, 7 p.m. - The Rev. Bob Ardinger preaching; singing by Stevie Sigler o Monday, April 12, 7:30 p.m. - The Rev....

Nominations sought for People's Choice Awards Nomination forms are being accepted for the 10th Annual People's Choice Awards, sponsored by The Community Foundation of Washington County Inc. This is an opportunity to nominate someone who gives generously and unselfishly of their time, talents and abilities to improve the quality of life in Washington County. Three nominees will be honored at the 10th Annual People's Choice Awards Banquet on Nov. 12. Tickets cost $100. In addition to being honored at the dinner, a $5,000 endowment fund will be established on behalf of each winner to benefit the nonprofit organization of their choice.