Some American traditions — and a few local ones — will be part of the community’s Flag Day celebration Thursday.
The 24th annual Flag Day at Fort Vancouver begins at 5 p.m. at the bandstand on the historic Parade Ground across from the Grant House, 1101 Officers Row in Vancouver.
The Portland Air National Guard Base’s honor guard will present the colors, the Northwest Harmony Chorus will sing the national anthem and the National Park Service will raise the garrison flag — the largest American flag flown by the military.
There also will be some familiar hometown aspects of the observance, such as the annual Clark County mayors’ patriotic tie contest and the U.S. history quiz matching the mayors against fifth-grade students from Sunset Elementary in the Evergreen district.
The ceremony will be followed by children’s activities, including flag etiquette, patriotic songs, marching, touring a historic landmark and coloring Washington state symbols.
The activities will give Brownie Girl Scouts an opportunity to earn their Celebrating Community badge. Advance registration is required; go to thehistorictrust.org/girl-scout-flag-day-badge-registration-form to register.
The free family event is presented by The Historic Trust and Davidson & Associates Insurance representing Pemco Insurance.
Flag exchanges
During Flag Week, people can exchange worn-out American flags for new ones. They are available today through Friday.
• Davidson & Associates Insurance, 610 Esther St., Suite 101, Vancouver, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call 360-514-9550.
• Prestige Senior Living Bridgewood, 11700 N.E. Angelo Drive, Vancouver, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information or reservations, call 360-254-4666.
