The Rest of the Story

In the June 9–15 edition of The Epoch Times, Jeff Minick wrote an article about Flag Day [“Break Out the Red, White, and Blue: June 14th Is Right Around the Corner”], but I believe that he did not tell the whole story. Like my mentor, Paul Harvey used to say, “This is the rest of the story.”

Yes, June 14th was officially declared by President Woodrow Wilson as Flag Day. This was after a grassroots movement was started by a teacher by the name of Bernard Cigrand, a teacher in the hamlet of Waubeka, Wisconsin. He taught in a one-room school called Stony Hill School, which is preserved in its original condition by the Ozaukee County Historical Society.

Seventy-five years ago, the Janik family of Waubeka organized the National Flag Day Foundation and has been celebrating Flag Day ever since with a large parade with many bands from across the state of Wisconsin and a host of many other organizations in the parade. The foundation purchased an empty schoolhouse with many classrooms in Waubeka and now is the site of the Americanism Center, where all the events take place. The center contains the Flag Day Museum, with rooms full of patriotic, military, and community memorabilia. It also features the Avenue of Flags, with a walking tour depiction of the 27 different star configurations of our United States flag. The Americanism Center serves as a meeting place for the local 4-H, Boy Scouts, and other local organizations.

It should be noted that Waubeka is a small unincorporated hamlet in the northwestern part of Ozaukee County. Its population in 364 days of the year might total several hundred, but on Flag Day, this little hamlet could be the scene of several thousands of citizens who honor Old Glory. The entire program begins at 11:30 a.m. and lasts until the evening hours, with a giant fireworks display. This day-long event put on by the National Flag Day Foundation is free of charge to all citizens.

My wife and I have had the privilege of attending and supporting the events at the National Flag Day celebration for many years. At the end of the day, you get your patriotic batteries recharged and leave the event with a greater love of this God-blessed great country, the United States of America.

Roy Wetzel

Wisconsin