New Events Added For Batavia Flag Day Celebration

BATAVIA, IL — Batavia is honoring Flag Day on June 14 with three events, two of which are new to this year's celebration.

The event, which falls the day before Father's Day, will commemorate 250 years since Paul Revere's ride, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the founding of the United States Army, city officials said.

Similar to years past, the city will host a ceremony from 2-4 p.m. June 14 at the Flag Day Monument, located across from City Hall. The $1.5 million monument opened in October 2023 as a tribute to Bernard J. Cigrand, a Batavia dentist cited as one of the founders of Flag Day, established in 1916.

The celebration will include musical performances by the Batavia Community Band, appearances from veterans, local first responders and patriotic organizations, the unveiling of new personalized bricks, and the sealing of time capsules. Guided tours of the monument will be offered, and families will have the chance to check out a fire truck and meet the Batavia Police Department's comfort dog River.

The two events new this summer are "Presentation on Father of Flag Day" and "Red, White and Brews: Hanging with Our Heroes."

During the presentation, taking place from 1-2 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers at 100 N. Island Ave., Illinois author Tom Emery will present his research on Cigrand.

To close out the day, Batavia Overseas VFW Post 1197 will host the hangout from 4-6 p.m. at their headquarters, 645 S. River Road. The event will feature games, presentations on American history, patriotic music and food trucks. Drinks will be available for purchase at the VFW bar.

All three Flag Day events are free to attend and open to the community.

"All are encouraged to celebrate patriotic pride, unity, and National Flag Day together," city officials said in a news release.