Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman | June 14, 2024
Today, as you drive down Park Avenue, you will see American flags and patriotic banners displaying photos of veterans from our community. Stop at Town Hall; the flag proudly flies from a pole in front of the building, as well as at many homes and businesses around Scotch Plains.
It’s all part of our community’s efforts to mark Flag Day, celebrated today. It is a call for residents to join together and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals woven into the fabric of the Stars and Stripes.
The adoption of the flag on June 14, 1777 marked a pivotal moment in the nation's birth. And, today, celebrating Flag Day in Scotch Plains reconnects us to the struggles and triumphs of friends and neighbors who fought for democracy over the generations, fostering a sense of pride both locally and nationally.
In a nation often divided by partisan politics, Flag Day compels us to remember that we are all Americans, bound by a common history and a universal set of rights – the foundation upon which our present and future stands.
When Scotch Plains residents unfurl the American flag on their porches, it further underscores our unity in a very visual way. I believe this shared act of patriotism transcends political divides. It reminds us that despite our individual pursuits, we are all part of a larger narrative, a community always striving to do better.
I’m pleased that Flag Day is recognized in the schools, where the Stars and Stripes always fly, as we share the importance with younger generations. While the underlying theme reminds us that the 13 stripes represent the original colonies and the 50 stars reflect the nation’s growth, the school lessons often take it a step further, into discussions of liberty, justice, and unity.
Of course, celebrating Flag Day can take many forms. For those without a flag, it could simply be a family discussion about its history, tipping the cap to the Continental Congress. The key is to create shared experiences that reinforce the significance of the flag and the values that we’ve all fought so hard to protect.
So, as we now focus on our weekend plans and all the other things we do on these warm Fridays, I hope we can take a moment to mark Flag Day. Let’s celebrate our shared history, reaffirm our commitment to national ideals, and build on the strong sense of community spirit that is the proud hallmark of Scotch Plains.
