East Haven Students Perform with Mayor on Flag Day

Students from the East Haven school system, along with Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr., will lead the Town of East Haven in its 17th annual participation of the observance of National Flag Day and the “Annual Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance.”

The festivities will take place Sunday June 14 beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green. The evening will begin with a performance by the East Haven Academy Symphonic Band, followed by a brief ceremony for the Pledge at 6:45 p.m. For the fourth year in a row, student representatives from each of East Haven’s schools will accompany the Mayor with the pledge precisely at 7 p.m.

“I am pleased that our town has continued this unique tradition which we began in 1999,” Maturo said. “The response, over the years, to this brief, yet very important ceremony, was extremely gratifying.”

This will be the 30th year for the National Pause for the Pledge, as it was signed into law by President Reagan in June of 1985 as an official part of National Flag Day activities. On Flag Day, June 14, all Americans are asked to “pause” and recite the pledge of allegiance at 7 p.m. The Town of East Haven continues to be one of the only communities in the state to recognize this very unique statute.

“As we continue our diligence in the war against terrorism, our symbol of freedom continues to stand tall… the Flag of the United States of America,” Maturo said. “Our flag is the symbol of our national heritage and unity.”

Representatives from East Haven’s Fire and Police Departments and members of the Town Council will join Mayor Maturo and the local members of the Veterans Council.

Mayor Maturo will also issue a “Proclamation” declaring June 14 as Flag Day in East Haven, urging all citizens to pause for their own Pledge of Allegiance at 7 p.m.

“With respect to the sacrifices being made each day by the brave men and women who serve our great country and the sacrifices made by each of them and their families, I now more than ever, ask all residents of East Haven to participate in honoring our flag by reciting the pledge wherever they may be at 7 p.m. that evening,” Maturo said.