Framingham Veteran Services

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

Today, June 14, we proudly celebrate Flag Day, honoring the Stars and Stripes as the enduring symbol of our nation’s freedom, unity, and resilience.

Flag Day commemorates June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the first official flag of the United States.

More than a century later, Wisconsin schoolteacher Bernard J. Cigrand began advocating for a national observance of the flag, leading to President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaiming June 14 as Flag Day in 1916. In 1949, Congress designated June 14 as National Flag Day.

This morning, the City of Framingham and the Framingham Veterans Council proudly hosted our annual Flag Day Parade through Downtown Framingham, followed by a Flag Day Ceremony at Cushing Memorial Park.

thank the veterans, elected officials, community groups, musicians, public safety personnel, and residents who joined us in honoring our nation’s flag and the generations of Americans who have served under it.

As the American flag flies proudly across Framingham today, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the freedoms it represents and the sacrifices made to protect them.

Happy Flag Day, Framingham!

06/14/2026

Happy 251st Birthday to the United States Army!

Today, the Framingham Veterans Department and the Framingham Veterans Council join communities across the nation in celebrating the 251st anniversary of the United States Army.

The Army traces its origins to June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress established the Continental Army to defend the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. The force would later evolve into today's United States Army, the oldest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

For 251 years, Army Soldiers have answered the call to serve, defending our nation through times of war and peace, responding to disasters, supporting allies, and protecting the freedoms we cherish. From the battlefields of the American Revolution to missions around the globe today, generations of Soldiers have demonstrated courage, sacrifice, and commitment to duty.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all Army veterans, active-duty Soldiers, reservists, National Guard members, and military families for their service and sacrifice.

Army Strong. This We'll Defend.

06/14/2026

The keynote speaker at today's Flag Day Ceremony was CSM Jeremy W. Bunkley, from the U.S. Army Labs in Natick.

His speech talked about the birthday of flag day, the Army's 251st birthday, and the upcoming 250th celebration of the birth of the United States of America.

06/14/2026

Emily Ruiz, daughter of Framingham Police Deputy Chief Jorge Ruiz, sings the National Anthem at the Veterans Council's Flag Day Ceremony earlier this morning, June 14, at Cushing Memorial Park.

06/14/2026

A few photos from this morning's Flag Day ceremony at Cushing Memorial Park.

More photos from the parade, the ceremony will post later this week.

06/14/2026

TODAY, June 14 at Cushing Memorial Patk.
Parade at 10 a.m.
Ceremony at 11 a.m.

The Framingham Veterans Council invites residents to join the community in honoring the American flag and those who have served our nation during the annual Flag Day Parade and Ceremony on June 14.
The Flag Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Cushing Memorial Park, followed by the Flag Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the park. Both events are hosted by the Framingham Veterans Council and are free and open to the public.

The award-winning Framingham High School marching band will be participating in Sunday's parade.

The Framingham Veterans Council invites residents to join the community in honoring the American flag and those who have served our nation during the annual Flag Day Parade and Ceremony on SUNDAY, June 14.

The Flag Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Cushing Memorial Park, followed by the Flag Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the park. Both events are hosted by the Framingham Veterans Council and are free and open to the public.

The ceremony will feature the raising of the American flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, a prayer offering, a student essay presentation, and the retirement of colors conducted by the Framingham Fire Department Color Guard and the Framingham Police Department Honor Guard.

Featured participants include Veterans Council Chair Robert Downing, retired U.S. Army, vocalist Emily Ruiz; Chaplain Robert Anspach; Framingham City Council Chair George P. King, Jr.; Command Sergeant Major Jeremy W. Bunkley of U.S. Army Garrison Natick; and Keefe Regional Technical High School student Brody Cashman.

“Flag Day is an important reminder of the ideals that unite us as Americans and the sacrifices made by generations of service members who have defended our freedoms,” said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “I encourage residents to join us in recognizing the significance of our nation’s flag and honoring the Veterans whose service has helped preserve the values it represents. I also want to thank the Veterans Council for organizing both the parade and the ceremony.”

“Each year, Flag Day provides an opportunity for our community to come together in a spirit of patriotism, remembrance, and gratitude,” said Veterans Council Chair Downing. “We are proud to continue this tradition and invite residents of all ages to participate in these meaningful events as we celebrate our nation’s history and honor those who have served.”

Residents are encouraged to attend both the parade and ceremony and join fellow community members in recognizing the enduring importance of the American flag and the men and women who have served under it.

Stay Informed

Residents are urged to follow official City communication channels for updates including:

City website at www.framinghamMA.gov
City social media channels including Facebook, X, Instagram, etc
The City’s Sunday newsletter - Sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/bFVxFV3
NotifyMe alert system for text and/or email alerts - Sign up here: https://framinghamma.gov/list.aspx

FOR ADA Compliance: Graphic is a program of the Flag Day Ceremony at 11 a.m.

06/12/2026

Mark your calendars for the City's Flag Day Parade on Sunday, June 14 at Cushing Memorial Park at 10 a.m. hosted by the Framingham Veterans Council.

Following the parade will be an 11 a.m. ceremony at Cushing Memorial Park.

The public is encouraged to attend both events.

Mark your calendars for the City's Flag Day Parade on Sunday, June 14 at Cushing Memorial Park at 10 a.m. hosted by the Framingham Veterans Council.

Following the parade will be an 11 a.m. ceremony at Cushing Memorial Park.

The public is encouraged to attend both events.

Youth groups and organizations last call to participate in the parade. If interested? Email [email protected]

06/11/2026

Framingham Flag Day Ceremony is 11 a.m. at Cushing Memorial Park.

Parade at 10 a.m.

Photo of Framingham Veterans Council Chair Robert Downing at the 2023 Flag Day Ceremony.

06/11/2026

A Heat Advisory is in effect from noon today through 8 PM Friday for much of southern New England away from the ocean influence. Heat index values near or above 100°F are possible.

Stay hydrated, limit strenuous afternoon activity, use A/C if available, and wear light-colored clothing

A Heat Advisory is in effect from noon today through 8 PM Friday for much of southern New England away from the ocean influence. Heat index values near or above 100°F are possible. Stay hydrated, limit strenuous afternoon activity, use A/C if available, and wear light-colored clothing.

06/10/2026

On June 10, 1898, U.S. Marines landed at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, during the Spanish–American War.

The amphibious landing marked the beginning of a month-long campaign that helped secure a strategic foothold for American forces and contributed to the defeat of Spanish military forces in Cuba.

The Spanish–American War represented a turning point in U.S. military history and resulted in the end of Spanish colonial rule in much of the Western Hemisphere. Following the conflict, the Treaty of Paris of 1898 transferred control of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States.

Today, we remember the service and sacrifice of the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and all military personnel who served during this pivotal chapter in our nation's history.