New York City Flag Day Parade & Ceremonies, Tuesday, June 14

The 234th anniversary of the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777 will be observed in Lower Manhattan with a parade on Tuesday, June 14, 2011-Flag Day. Enthusiastic schoolchildren, bands, historic and patriotic groups will participate with American flags of every shape and size at the New York City Flag Day Parade.

Parade participants will register and line up on the east side of City Hall Park beginning at 11:15 a.m. The Parade will begin at 12 Noon, departing the south end of City Hall Park, proceeding south on Broadway heading towards historic Fraunces Tavern and the Flag Day Ceremony Stand at the corner of Broad and Pearl Streets where there will be ceremonies with songs performed by schoolchildren, proclamations and recitations honoring "Old Glory."

Besides participation by children from numerous New York City Public Schools the Parade will also feature color guards from the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, contingents from the New York City Fire and Sanitation Departments and many of the City's oldest historical and patriotic societies including the Color Guard from the Sons of the Revolution flying many historic Revolutionary War flags from its collection.

It is New York's opportunity to celebrate the symbol that represents all Americans. For the schoolchildren, who joyfully participate each year, it is a valuable lesson in citizenship. The Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, Inc. has organized the Parade annually since President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation in 1916 establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

In honor of Flag Day Fraunces Tavern Museum will have reduced admission of just $1 from 12:00 – 5:00.

- About Flag Day -

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the U.S. flag and detailed its design to serve as a rallying point for the troops of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

The Flag as a symbol of America evolved out of the War of 1812. Francis Scott Key was so inspired by the sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry on September 12, 1814 that he wrote "The Star Spangled Banner"-today's National Anthem, which reminds us that America is still "the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

- About Fraunces Tavern -

Fraunces Tavern was built in 1719 as an elegant residence and purchased in 1762 by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces. The tavern played a significant role in pre-Revolutionary War activities and later housed early U.S. government offices of the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs (today's State Department). It is best known as the site where General George Washington bade farewell to the officers of the Continental Army on December 4th, 1783.

In 1904, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York purchased the tavern, saving it from the wrecking ball. A restored Fraunces Tavern was opened to the public in 1907 featuring a Museum and Restaurant. In 2008 Fraunces Tavern was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Fraunces Tavern® is a registered service mark of Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, instituted in 1876 and incorporated in 1884.

(PHOTOS FROM 2010 PARADE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST)