This
year, despite the extreme cold, "We had very good attendance," said
Brandon Wilson, Executive Director of The Somerville Historic
Preservation Commission (SHPC). "About 125-150 people attended."

According
to Wilson, it is estimated that the Grand Union Flag raising ceremony
commenced in 1976 "when we were celebrating our bicentennial" under the
previous Historical Commission, of which, Isobel Cheney, a former
teacher, was involved – "we think that's what happened," said Wilson
"Isobel Cheney was involved with the Historical Commission until she
passed away 2 years ago."

The Historical Commission became part
of the current The Historic Preservation Commission. "[Cheney] was part
of the Historical Commission, [and thought] it would be the perfect way
to commemorate an event that had happened here," said Wilson. "We think
that's how it started."

Fredrick Lund, of the Historical
Preservation Commission, is in his late 80s, and is still involved in
the event. He provides the drawings and graphics for the program,
according to Wilson.

Linda Gritz, also of the Commission, has
been involved for seven or eight years, and read research her about
history of flag. "The program and the text that was researched and
delivered by Linda Gritz, "a proud Somerville resident" as she often
refers to herself, as well as local history buff," Said Wilson.

"This
year and for the last couple of years, [the Commission has involved] a
'local militia,'" said Wilson. "We like recreate and appreciate the
lifestyles that occurred in those times — which would be colonial
times."

On an historical note, when the flag went up on
January 1, 1776, the British believed that "It was a sign of surrender
by the Continental Army," said Wilson.

At the head of the
procession was General George Washington on horseback, followed by
local dignitaries and youth, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery
Company, and the Charlestown Militia Company, according to a press
release.

Interestingly, The Grand Union Flag sported the British Union Jack in the exact position of the Stars on the American Flag.

The
Historical Commission strives to make [the annual raising of the Grand
Union Flag] a community-wide event, which includes Somerville
residents, as well as "visitors."

Families with young children participate. Therefore, "it becomes their tradition," said Wilson.