You won’t get the day off from work or school or grocery shopping or … anything, really. There’ll be no three-day weekend or big picnic to mark the occasion. But for many, the significance of the day will ring loudly in their hearts and minds.

Flag Day is not an official federal or state holiday, but June 14 is the date designated by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson back in 1916 as a day to officially honor the stars and stripes that we solemnly revere today.

President Harry S. Truman signed a Congressional act into law in 1949 recommending a voluntary observance of Flag Week. This year, Flag Week falls on June 9–15.

Of course, as most locals know, the Colonial Army led by General George Washington was formed on January 1, 1776, and its first flag, The Grand Union Flag, was raised on Prospect Hill in what was then Charlestown, and is now part of Somerville.

Therefore, we can take pride in this special aspect of our civic heritage. As it is with so many other historic events and traditions born in this part of the country, the birth of our nation’s colors can be added to the sprawling list of firsts established by our forebearers.

While some place more importance on this occasion than others, it is an indisputable fact that the flag symbolizes patriotism and love of country. Many fought and died defending the ideology and values it represents. One thing is certain, among other things, it represents unity. Something so precious and fragile, and yet so vital for our very survival.