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People in the Bangor area are fortunate because they can participate in Flag Day in style, thanks to the efforts of Judy Butler of Eddington, many patriotic volunteers and Bangor employees.
The 17th annual Bangor Flag Day Celebration is 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, on Railroad Street, off Main Street, along the Bangor waterfront.
The celebration involves many people and organizations, including the Penobscot Wind Ensemble, directed by Preston Miller, a group that “has been with us 13 of the 17 years,” Butler said.
The Sweet Adelines, led by Theresa Laliberte, will perform, as will the Mary Drew Dancers of Orono, youngsters “between the ages of 5 and 12 who will present patriotic dances,” Butler said.
The Brewer Methodist Church choir, under the direction of Ron Maul, also will take part in the program.
The ceremony will include speakers and proclamations from government officials, and Butler said representatives of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and AMVETS all have been invited to attend.
Civil War re-enactors from the 20th Maine will be in attendance as will individuals portraying Gen. Joshua Chamberlain’s mother, Sarah Chamberlain, Hannibal Hamlin, Betsy Ross and, it is hoped, Butler said, “a George Washington.”
“The Hermon High School ROTC and the American Legion and VFW, both of Ellsworth, will post the colors,” Butler added.
Speakers representing their respective services include these retired members of the military: William Deering, Army; Michael Gleason, Air Force; Melody Keller, Navy; and “someone from the Marines” is expected to participate as well, Butler said.
Local public safety officials also have been invited to attend.
This program began 17 years ago when Butler retired. She previously had organized the event from her work site at the U.S. post office in the Margaret Chase Smith Federal Building in Bangor. At the time of her retirement, the late Sen. Smith asked Butler who would continue the celebration.
“I promised Senator Smith that I would,” Butler acknowledged.
And she has, with the help of many people to whom she is especially grateful.
“All I do is organize it,” Butler told me. “It is the wonderful people who take part, people who love the flag and love to give their time and energy to do this.”
Butler is especially appreciative of the cooperation she receives from director Frank Comeau and members of the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department.
“They have been so helpful, so good,” she said. “They set up the stage and the seats, and they keep the lawn mowed. It’s just great.
“You know, it’s not a holiday,” she said of Flag Day. “That’s why I think it’s so special. It’s not a day off for anyone. It’s just a special day to remember our flag and what it stands for.”
Butler and all involved with Flag Day hope you will join them in paying tribute to the Stars and Stripes, and take this opportunity to show your support for the men and women who are serving under Old Glory, at home and abroad.
Community Radio station WERU-FM 102.9 of Bangor and 89.9 of Blue Hill, and Orland River Day will be the recipients of proceeds from a benefit concert beginning 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at Alamoosook Lakeside Lodge Bed & Breakfast in Orland.
The concert features New Age folk musician Carole Isis of Manchester, England, with special guest singer-songwriter Jud Caswell of Brunswick.
Tickets are $12 or $10 for WERU members and are available by calling, during weekday business hours, 469-6600, or e-mailing denis@weru.org.
According to a WERU release, Isis has been performing for more than 40 years, spreading messages of peace and love throughout the world.
A singer, songwriter, healer and humanitarian, her latest compact disc is “Only Love.”
Caswell recently received honorable mention status for his performance at the 2005 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Troubadour Competition in Colorado.
Joanie Jones of the St. Croix Valley International Garden Club reports her organization will tour three members’ gardens on Wednesday, June 15, in Pembroke.
Participants will meet at 1 p.m. at the Pembroke Methodist Church, and the outing will include a plant swap.
For more information about the activities of the club or the tour, call Joan Edwards, 726-9664.
Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.
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