Flags Along The Parkway, A 20-Year Tradition, Returns To Burke

BURKE, VA — In spite of rain, snow, and now a pandemic, 30 American flags appear every year without fail on the median of Burke Centre Parkway for Flag Day. Locals may know it's part of a longstanding Flag Day tradition involving the local Boys Scouts troop.

For over 20 years, Boy Scouts of America Troop 1345 has raised the flags in the early morning for the community to see during the day. The flags stay there until the Scouts return around 5 p.m. to pack them away.

This year, Scouts will raise the flags between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 14. Flags are displayed on the parkway between Burke Lake Road and Oak Leather Drive.

The troop also raises American flags on the parkway during other federal holidays. According to a news release from the National Capital Area Council Boy Scouts, events like the flag raising let scouts stay active in the community while following social distancing guidelines.

"It just brightens the community - and perhaps provides some normalcy - during these times," said Scoutmaster Kate Mattice of Troop 1345G for girls.

The troop has been sponsored by the Burke Centre Conservancy for almost 40 years. Last year, the Scouts BSA Troop 1345G was established for girls. The female troop follows Boy Scouts of America's curriculum and leadership model, and members can get the coveted Eagle Scout award.

For more information, visit www.troop1345.org.