The following is a press release submitted by the .
Students from the East Haven school system and ., will lead the Town of East Haven in its 14th annual participation of the observance of National Flag Day and the "Annual Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance."
The festivities, which will take place Thursday, June 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the .
The evening will begin with a performance by the , followed by a brief ceremony for the Pledge at 6:45 p.m.
For the first time, student representatives from each of East Haven’s schools will accompany the Mayor with the pledge precisely at 7 pm.
This will be the 27 year for the National Pause for the Pledge, as it was signed into law by President Reagan, in June of 1985, as an official part of National Flag Day activities.
On Flag Day, June 14, at 7 p.m., all Americans are asked to “pause” and recite the pledge of allegiance. The Town of East Haven continues to be one of the only communities in the State to recognize this very unique statute.
Representatives from and and members of the Town Council will join Mayor Maturo and the local members of the Veterans Council. Fire Marshall Anthony Moscato will be rendering the “National Anthem” and “God Bless America”.
Mayor Maturo will also issue a "Proclamation" declaring June 14 as Flag Day of East Haven and urging all citizens to pause for their own Pledge of Allegiance at 7 p.m.
"I am pleased that our Town has continued this unique tradition which we began in 1999. The response, over the years, to this brief, yet very important ceremony, was extremely gratifying. As we continue our struggle in the war against terrorism, our symbol of freedom continues to stand tall... the Flag of the United States of America. Our flag is the symbol of our national heritage and unity. With respect to the sacrifices being made each day by the brave men and women who serve our great country and the war on terrorism that we are now fighting, I now more than ever, ask all residents of East Haven to participate in honoring our flag by reciting the pledge wherever they may be at 7 p.m. that evening," stated Mayor Maturo.
"Whether you can join us on the green that evening or not, I ask all our citizens to pay respect and to give thanks for this very precious gift of freedom. Our flag and our freedom must never be taken for granted," the Mayor concluded.
