Today is Flag Day

Two-hundred and thirty-two years ago on June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress adopted by resolution the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States of America.

However, one hundred and thirty-nine years went by before Woodrow Wilson the 28th President of the United States issued a proclamation in 1916, declaring June 14 as Flag Day.

Later in 1949, through an Act of Congress, National Flag Day was established.

Although not a nationally observed U.S. holiday, through the years most Americans have traditionally flown Old Glory on June 14 and during the duration of that week.

To continue this patriotic practice, I urge each resident and business owner within the City of Apalachicola to display the Stars and Stripes along with the City Flag if you have one, in observance of Flag Day.

City presented with its first flag

Dr. Tom Brocato owner of Apalachicola Physical Therapy appeared before the commission at its June 2 meeting and presented the City of Apalachicola with its first municipal flag.

A letter from my office back in January concerning local economic conditions inspired the Doctor to come to the aid of his community.

After receiving the initial go-ahead, Brocato set about to create for sell a city flag to generate revenue to help support the Apalachicola Community Pride Partnership Program.

Using resources from his physical therapy business to pay for the flags fabrication, Brocato priced the flag to sell at $30 each with the profits going toward funding community pride projects such as the Apalachicola City Square Community Garden.

The 3’ x 5’ flag has the official seal of the city centered on a white backdrop in tricolors blue, gold, and gray. The 3’ x 5’ is proportioned to display in front of homes, with a larger 4’ x 6’ presently set for production for businesses and office buildings.

During the presentment, Brocato asked for and received full board support to continue with the production and sell of the flags.

For those who would like to show community pride, now is the time to own an original City of Apalachicola flag to unfurl along with Old Glory on Flag Day, this coming June 14.

To purchase one or two, stop by the Apalachicola Physical Therapy office at 111 U.S. Highway 98, or telephone (850) 653-4545.

Photos courtesy of Pam Nobles