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History Happened Here: America 250 in the Somerset Hills
The country’s first Centennial flag returns to the Brick Academy! Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 PM at the Brick Academy as THSSH unveils a new exhibit highlighting its recently restored 38-star American flag. The flag will be surrounded by the special exhibit entitled History Happened Here: America 250 in the Somerset Hills. Jon Booth, local historian and architect, will present stories about how the Revolutionary War affected people and places in the Somerset Hills.
The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills extends a special message to those who donated to our ‘Save Our Flag’ campaign. When THSSH faced the challenge to ‘Save Our Flag,’ you were the ones who stepped up. We are thrilled to announce that thanks to your overwhelming generosity, we have reached our $8,000 goal! Because of you, this rare 1876 38-star flag, a fragile emblem of our nation’s centennial piece of history, will be preserved for future generations, and proudly rehung at the Brick Academy Museum for the America 250 celebrations.
THSSH is collecting your worn, retired American flags at the Brick Academy on Sunday, March 8.
A special disposal box will be prominently located outside the Brick Academy. This box has been generously provided to THSSH by the Bernards Township Police Department. The Bernards Township Police Department will arrange for the disposal of American flags that are torn, faded, or otherwise unserviceable in a respectful, solemn, and public event known as a “Flag Retirement Ceremony.” While these ceremonies can happen anytime, they are frequently held on significant patriotic days like Flag Day (June 14th) or Veterans Day by either the American Legion or local Boy Scouts.
Procedure:
Flags are inspected to ensure they require retirement
They are often folded into the traditional triangle shape
A ceremony is held, which can involve a color guard, prayers by a chaplin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a bugler playing “To the Colors”
The flags are placed on a rack over a fire
For synthetic flags that should not be burned, they may be shredded respectfully and buried.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3502687-0
