Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Curt Ritter (212) 788-2971
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today proclaimed Sunday, June 14th Flag Day in New York City and kicked off the City's annual Flag Day Parade during a ceremony on the steps of City Hall.
"To Americans throughout the nation, and people everywhere throughout the world, the American Flag has come to symbolize the values of freedom and independence -- the highest and most noble ideals of our democracy," said Mayor Giuliani. "The American Flag tells the story of a union preserved and the courage and devotion of American men and women who have sacrificed their lives to defend it. In honor of Flag Day and in recognition of all those who have kept our flag flying high, I am proud to declare Sunday, June 14th, Flag Day in New York City."
The annual Flag Day Parade begins at City Hall and travels through Lower Manhattan to Fraunces Tavern, the site where George Washington last addressed his officers on December 4, 1783.
Traditionally celebrated on June 14th, the New York City Flag Day Parade is the oldest Flag Day Parade in the country. On June 14, 1777, Congress passed a resolution stating that the flag of the United States was to have 19 stripes, alternating red and white, with thirteen white stars on a blue background representing a new constellation. The first flag was raised by General George Washington on January 2, 1776 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Mayor was joined at today's ceremonies by Parade Chairman Peter G. C. Nemiroff, Sons of the Revolution President Henry S. Middendorf, Jr., Esq., Downtown Lower Manhattan Association President Carl Weisbrod and students from P.S. 164 School of the Arts.