Free Flag Day Festival comes to Bridgewater

FLAG DAY FESTIVAL OFFERS PRIZES AND FAMILY FUN

Patriotic costume contest and entertainment to be featured during free celebration

Join the family fun during a Flag Day Festival at Duke Island Park, Old York Road, in Bridgewater on Saturday, June 14, from 2 pm to 6 pm. All are welcome to come dressed in patriotic costumes or wearing red, white and blue. During this free event, prizes will be presented to winners of essay, art and costume contests. The festivities will feature live music, food vendors, a display of historic military vehicles, and flag folding demonstrations.  

The Flag Day Festival Committee and local elected officials will also honor men and women, like U.S. Marine Sgt. Aaron Alonso, who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.  Alonso, who lost his legs and sustained severe abdominal injuries while on patrol in Afghanistan, will be recognized during the program. During the festival, donations will be accepted and funds will be raised for this Purple Heart recipient and his daughter. 

“The idea for the festival came about because two Eagle Scouts were discussing ways to teach children about the great legacy of America,” said Edward Danberry, a member of the Flag Day Festival Committee. “Flag Day was proclaimed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and it became a national observance in 1949.  The Eagle Scouts thought it was a shame that, on a large scale, Flag Day seems to go virtually unnoticed.” 

The history of the Old Glory will be presented to commemorate the day (June 14, 1777) leaders of this country adopted the American flag. Stop by the arts and craft section to write a thank you note to active-duty soldiers.  ‘Nick the American Flagman’ will explain why he placed so many American flags on highway overpasses since the September 11th tragedy. Also, Rolling Thunder, a motorcycle club of veterans, will attend to advocate for POW-MIA issues.

Other activities offer individuals an opportunity to help our soldiers. Operation Jersey Cares will collect canned goods, packaged treats and toiletries for the Troops.  The AT&T Pioneers will collect cell phones, which will be donated to Cell Phones for Soldiers.  This act of kindness makes it possible for troops, who are overseas, to make free phone calls. Worn American flags will be accepted for later retirement by The American Legion.

Several local recording artists will perform including, Kelly Lynn Barber, a Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduate who is a Penn State University student. She will perform “All American Girl” by Carrie Underwood and one song from her EP. Cailin Marie, a Somerset County Vocational-Technical High School student, will also be featured. 

The Flag Day Festival is sponsored by the Somerville Elks, along with members of the Boy Scouts, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, John Basilone Parade Committee, and other patriotic organizations.

For more information visit www.FlagDayFestival.org, find us on Facebook, or email flagdayfestival@live.com.  In case of inclement weather, check the website and the Flag Day Festival Facebook page. The rain date is Sunday, June 15.   

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