Alongside all the hubbub and hurrah of military parades, civil protests, and the sweetness of familial love that Father’s Day can bring, another event quietly slipped by last weekend.

Flag Day is not an official federal or state holiday, but June 14 is the date designated by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson back in 1916 as a day to officially honor the stars and stripes that we solemnly revere today.

President Harry S. Truman signed a Congressional act into law in 1949 recommending a voluntary observance of Flag Week. This year, Flag Week falls on June 8–14.

Of course, as most locals know, the Colonial Army led by General George Washington was formed on January 1, 1776, and its first flag, The Grand Union Flag, was raised on Prospect Hill in what was then Charlestown, and is now part of Somerville.

Therefore, we can take pride in this special aspect of our civic heritage. As it is with so many other historic events and traditions born in this part of the country, the birth of our nation’s colors can be added to the sprawling list of firsts established by our forebears.

While some place more importance on this occasion than others, it is an indisputable fact that the flag symbolizes patriotism and love of country. Many fought and died defending the ideology and values it represents. One thing is certain, among other things, it represents unity. Something so precious and fragile, and yet so vital for our very survival. Let us all pray for more unity in these times.