Each year, Pickersgill Retirement Community celebrates Flag Day in a big way. This year, the event just got bigger.
Why Flag Day?
Though Flag Day may not be the first holiday people think of when asked to name holidays they celebrate, the flag holds a special place in Pickersgill’s history. One of Pickersgill’s early board presidents—and its namesake—is Mary Pickersgill. Among other things, Mary Pickersgill was a seamstress, and she was one of the women who sewed the flag that flew over Fort McHenry, and inspired Frances Scott Key to write “Defence of Fort McHenry” which became better known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The community honors this rich history by celebrating Flag Day each year.
Important Anniversary
This year marks the 200th anniversary of that battle and of the national anthem. Because of the additional significance of this year, Pickersgill wanted the celebration to be the best yet. To that end, Pickersgill has coordinated with two local schools, St. Paul’s School for Girls and the Gilman School, to host an essay and drawing contest. The contest is open to students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grade at St. Paul’s and Gilman School. Students will respond to the question, “What does the American Flag mean to me?” in no more than 500 words.
The winners will be chosen by a panel made up of staff and residents of Pickersgill Retirement Community. The panel will also consider the number of likes an essay receives on Facebook. Everyone is invited to vote on the submissions by visiting the Pickersgill Retirement Community Facebook page between May 23 and June 6 and liking both the page and their favorite essay.
The top prize? Four tickets to the Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays game on June 28!
Prizes will be awarded at the annual Flag Day event, which will be held this year on June 13 at 7 p.m. at Pickersgill, which is open to the public. In addition to announcing the contest winners, who will read their winning essays, there will be a performance by West Towson Elementary School students; Bob Knowles, the son of a former Pickersgill resident, will also have a variety of American Flags on display.
Be sure to mark June 13 on your calendars now to attend the 2014 Flag Day event at Pickersgill Retirement Community!
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