Batavia Unveils Plans For Flag Day Commemorating America 250

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia has unveiled its plans for Flag Day June 14, with this summer's events commemorating the United States' 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The city plans a Flag Day celebration each year as Bernard J. Cigrand, a Batavia dentist, is cited as one of the founders of the holiday, established in 1916. In tribute to Cigrand, the city unveiled a $1.5 million monument opened in October 2023, the site of some of the celebrations.

Take a look at the schedule for Flag Day:

From 1-2:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Jeffery D. Schielke Government Center in downtown Batavia, representative flags of the Revolutionary War through modern day, plus several historic flags, will be on display to share the American journey toward growth and independence.

Starting at 2:45 p.m., activities will begin at the Peg Bond Center and the Flag Day Monument on the Riverwalk. Events will include the raising of the American flag and the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner. Poster contest winners will be announced. The program will include musical performances by the Batavia Community Band; celebration of veterans, first responders, patriotic organizations; the unveiling of new personalized bricks; cutting ribbon for the newly installed Liberty Education Plaza; and the creation of a human flag in the parking lot to the west of the Government Center. At the conclusion of the program, tours of the Flag Day Monument and Liberty Education Plaza will be conducted.

"All are encouraged to celebrate patriotism, unity, and National Flag Day together on June 14 in downtown Batavia," officials said.

The celebration is free and open to the public.