Gala Planned Ahead Of Batavia Flag Day Monument Unveiling

Press release from Batavia Chamber of Commerce:

BATAVIA, IL — Since the summer of 2016, the Fox Valley Patriotic Organization (FVPO) has been fundraising to build a national caliber Flag Day Monument to honor the founder of Flag Day and Batavia resident, Dr. Bernard Cigrand. The monument will carry on his legacy of teaching all generations about the importance of honoring our flag and its day of remembrance (June 14).

It will also honor groups who have fought for our flag and those who keep our nation safe at home and abroad: Congressional Medal of Honor recipients from Illinois, active military, veterans, and first responders. The Flag Day Monument is being built on the Riverwalk in downtown Batavia but it is for all Americans.

A special thank you to the major sponsors who were an essential part of creating this monument, The Dunham Foundation and The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.

On Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, The Fox Valley Patriotic Organization will host a special fundraising Gala to give guests a first look at the Monument. Dinner will be catered by My Chef, with a top-shelf open bar and world-class entertainment featuring Lee Greenwood, Coffey Anderson and Batavia violinist Rachel Miller. For ticket details, please visit www.flagdaymonument.com/events.

On Sunday, Oct. 1 from 2 - 5 p.m., the Fox Valley Patriotic Organization, along with the Batavia Flag Day Committee, will be dedicating the Flag Day monument and officially opening it for tours to the public. This will be an afternoon of great celebration, wonderful music, delicious food trucks, and creating memories to last a lifetime. Participants will also have an opportunity to send messages to future generations by adding to our mural, photos of which will be encased in the 50- and 100-year time capsules in the wall of the monument. Additional event details can be found on our website: www.flagdaymonument.com/events.

"Right now, more than ever, we need a symbol of unity. An example for the next generation and every generation to follow that they are not alone in facing adversity," stated Austin Dempsey, president of the Fox Valley Patriotic Organization. "While the problems of today and tomorrow may be vastly different than what previous generations have faced, the opportunity to unify under our Flag remains the same. This is an American ideal that needs to be celebrated and encouraged for our nation to continue."

Please consider joining us for one or both once-in-a-lifetime events. For more info, and to order tickets, go to Flagdaymonument.com.

This press release was produced by Batavia Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.