Mayor
Joseph A. Curtatone and Historic Preservation Commission Director
Brandon Wilson announced that the 234th annual "Grand Union" flag
raising ceremony at Prospect Hill Park will be held on Friday, January
1, 2009 at 12:00 P.M.. The ceremony commemorates the raising of the
nation's first official flag, featuring thirteen red and white
horizontal stripes, atop Prospect Hill Tower by General George
Washington and his troops during their encampment in the Revolutionary
War in 1776.

The annual ceremony will begin at City Hall, 93
Highland Avenue, at 11:30 A.M. with a procession to Prospect Hill, led
by "General Washington" on horseback. The day's program will also
include songs, readings, and participants from the Charlestown militia,
as well as the Ancient and Honorable Company (first chartered in 1638).
The American Legion Post 19 Honor Guard will lead a military salute as
a commemorative flag is raised atop the Prospect Hill Tower. All
interested participants are welcome to attend in traditional 18th
century dress.

Light refreshments will be served, and miniature
replicas of the Grand Union Flag, tri-corner hats, historic Somerville
books and afghans to commemorate the historic event will be available
for purchase.