The Carl Vinson VA Medical Center will host its annual Flag Day ceremony June 14 at 8:30 a.m. on its front lawn to honor the nation’s most sacred symbol.

The ceremony will include an official flag-raising by the Dublin VA Police Department Color Guard and musical accompaniment will be provided by Rhonda Ipock and Chaplain David Julian will read “Old Glory.”

Celebrated on June 14, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day and in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an act of Congress. Although U.S. law prescribes the display of the Flag and Flag Day by statute, Flag Day is not an official federal holiday and is observed at the President's discretion by presidential proclamation.

VA medical center interim director David J. VanMeter said the ceremony is a great occasion for our community to join our staff in a display of patriotism and fellowship.

“Flag Day is a day where we can show our appreciation to our Nation’s symbol of freedom and those who sacrificed themselves for it,” VanMeter said.

VA communications director Scott Whittington invited everyone to join VA staff and veterans in honoring the national standard.

“The generations that came before us worked and fought for the Flag and set the stage for what we all enjoy today,” Whittington said. “This is a day for everyone to honor our Flag and to reflect on what it truly means to be an American.”

Whittington said the VA hopes to see the event grow each year, and encourages Dublin’s youth to attend the ceremony.