Published: April 25, 2008 12:24 pm         

On June 14, it's all about the flag (and our troops and veterans)

DEEP CREEK LAKE - To celebrate the American flag, the country, and the men and women who served and are serving under that flag, the Deep Creek Lake area and Garrett County will hold its fourth annual "Flag on Mountain Maryland" ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, at Wisp Resort.

A military fly-over is planned for 6 p.m. and the "Flag on Mountain Maryland" program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The program will include guest speakers, patriotic music and a flag retirement ceremony.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase Garrett County and let the world know how much our citizens care about their country and their flag," said Garrett County Chamber of Commerce President Charlie Ross. "We look forward to showing our love of flag and country and hope many are able to view this spectacular celebration."

Flag Day is an annual observance in the United States to celebrate the national flag. June 14 is the anniversary of the official adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777. For more than 25 years, The American Flag Foundation has sponsored the "National Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance" on June 14 at Fort McHenry in Baltimore. With Garrett County's McHenry and Baltimore's Fort McHenry both named in honor of Dr. James McHenry, Garrett County hosts a Flag Day program to correspond with the Fort McHenry event. The Garrett County program was the first effort in an outreach program that is spreading across Maryland and to several other locations around the country.

To learn more about the Flag Day event or to become involved as a volunteer for the Flag on Mountain Maryland program, contact the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce at (301) 387-4386 or visit www.visitdeepcreek.com.