Flag Day, celebrated nationally on June 14, is a ceremonial time when a community collects worn and damaged flags from residents, area cemeteries, and those in use in local government capacities for appropriate disposal.
It’s a duty that Natick Director of Veteran Services and Korean War veteran Paul Carew takes seriously. But he also takes the need for social distancing during a time of pandemic seriously, and has decided this year to postpone the usual controlled burn that is a centerpiece of the flag retirement ceremony.
“Every year there are a lot of groups involved in Natick for Flag Day,” Carew said. “The Natick Elks Club is involved, and the Amvets Post by Lake Cochituate is there. Scouts troops are always involved too, and it’s just a great educational experience for them and a great way to keep Flag Day going.”
Carew hopes that Natick residents and businesses will bring to Flag Day the same spirit they brought to Memorial Day. With no Memorial Day parade through town or service on the Common this year Carew, in partnership with a committee, challenged residents to display flags in their windows.
“I hope residents will do this again, for Flag Day this time,” Carew said. He suggests that the flags be drawn by children or grandchildren or a talented adult.
Of course, displaying American flags outside on flag poles or hanging horizontally or vertically on a wall is always appropriate on Flag Day or at other times. Here are the guidelines for doing so.
A date for a postponed ceremony in Natick is to be announced. “We will be doing something,” Carew said. “We just have to wait until we can get others together.”
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