Flag Without A Stain

The first Saturday in May will find my extended family meeting at sunrise for the annual Flag Ceremony. My great grandfather homesteaded in the 1862 and was so glad to be in the land of the free, he erected a flag pole first thing. He raised the flag often, but gathered his family in a special commemoration on May 5th every year to honor his younger brother who at age 17 had drowned during a fishing expedition in the North Sea. Our family has continued this tradition and though we don't have official confirmation, I think it is the longest running private flag ceremony in the state, perhaps the country. Every May since 1862 -- By my count that's 147 times the flag has gracefully floated up the flag pole surrounded by our family.
The youngsters who arrive first get to raise the flag. My brothers used to sleep outside right next to the flag pole in honor to gain this honor. (We girls weren't allowed to sleep out on the lawn.)
At sunrise, the flag was raised to the sound of trumpets and drums. We all pledged our allegiance to the flag, sang some patriotic songs, listened to some stories of our pioneer ancestors and as a finale, wonderful donuts and sweet rolls were served along with hot chocolate, cold milk and orange juice.
Yes, the neighbors can hear the pre-dawn trumpet and drums, but believe it or not, there are those in the neighborhood who hope their kids will marry into the family so that they can come to the flag event.
I think my mom at 87 and my Aunt Elvira at 90 were the oldest attendees this year. The Schofield twins got to raise the flag. Ike accompanied the songs which included Great Grandpa's two favorites: The Flag Without a Stain and Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words to Each Other.
Thanks for the great heritage. We will try to live up!