Somerville Grand Union Flag Raising Postponed

SOMERVILLE, MA – The city of Somerville has postponed its annual Grand Union flag raising event at Prospect Hill due to forecasts calling for extreme cold. The ceremony was originally scheduled for Monday, Jan. 1; a new date will be announced next week.

The ceremony will include a processional led by a re-enactor on horseback playing Gen. George Washington. It will leave from the City Hall Concourse at 11:30 a.m. and end at Prospect Hill Park, where the flag raising will be held.

Members of the public are invited to participate and wear traditional colonial clothing. The ceremony commemorates the raising of the nation's first official flag atop Prospect Hill on New Year's Day 1776.

The afternoon's program will include songs, and remarks by participants from the Charlestown and Rhode Island Militia, and the Ancient and Honorable Company (first chartered in 1638). His Majesty's 10th Regiment of Foot, representing the British Army, will bring a message from King George III. Brigadier General Richard Johnson for Massachusetts, and the American Legion Post 19 Honor Guard will lead a military salute as a commemorative flag is raised atop the Prospect Hill Tower.

Light refreshments will be served, and miniature replicas of the Grand Union Flag, both as a flag and a lapel pin, as well as colonial-era tri corner hats and a few items highlighting the City’s historic assets will be available for purchase. The Tower will also be open to the public following the ceremony.

Image via Google Earth Screenshot