The city’s Grand Union’s flag-raising at Prospect Hill Park took place last Sunday, January 1. — Photos by Bobbie Toner

The city’s annual kick off for the new year took place on Sunday, January 1, with a ceremony for the anniversary of the Grand Union’s flag-raising at Prospect Hill Park.

A processional that all were welcome to join left from the City Hall Concourse at 11:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at Prospect Hill Park from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

The annual ceremony commemorates the raising of the nation’s first official flag, featuring thirteen red and white horizontal stripes, atop Prospect Hill on New Year’s Day, 1776. At the time, Prospect Hill was a key site in a string of fortifications created by Washington and the Continental Army in their siege of British troops in Boston during the first year of the American Revolution.

The afternoon’s program included songs to join in, and remarks by Mayor Ballantyne as well as participants from the Charlestown and Rhode Island Militia, and the Ancient and Honorable Company (first chartered in 1638).

His Majesty’s 10th Regiment of Footwill brought a disturbing message from King George III, and special speaker Linda Gritz, a proud Somerville resident, who spoke of  the significance of the historical event with current times where independence from tyranny, intolerance and unjust society are also at stake. A military salute took place as a commemorative flag was raised atop the Prospect Hill Tower.