Red, White and True: Come Raise the Flags and Celebrate 250 Years of Army Service in Simi Valley
Sylvie Belmond 
CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Simi Valley will mark Flag Day with a public ceremony on Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. in Veterans Court at the Simi Valley Town Center Mall. The annual event includes a ceremonial changing of the flags and a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Following the ceremony, a cake-cutting will honor the Army’s founding on June 14, 1775—the only military branch established on the same date that Flag Day commemorates. The program is free to attend and expected to last under an hour.
The event features the raising of new flags representing the United States, the state of California, the city of Simi Valley, all branches of the armed forces and local veteran organizations including the American Legion, DAV, Marine Corps League and VFW. The Simi Valley Town Center Mall Management Team purchases the primary flags for the ceremony while each veteran organization contributes its own flag. Civic and community groups are invited to take part, continuing a local tradition of honoring those who serve.
The American flag, with its 13 stripes and 50 stars, is more than a symbol of national pride—it reflects the country’s history and shared ideals. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain, while the stars represent each state in the Union. Adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, the flag has evolved as the nation has grown, with stars added to mark the admission of new states. The current design has been in place since 1960, when Hawaii became the 50th state.
According to USA.gov, the colors of the flag hold specific meaning: red stands for valor and bravery, white represents purity and innocence and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. U.S. Flag Code guidelines emphasize that the flag should never touch the ground, should be displayed from sunrise to sunset or properly lit at night, and must always be treated with respect. Whether at government buildings, parades or local gatherings like the one in Simi Valley, the flag serves as a lasting symbol of unity and service.
This year also marks the 250th anniversaries of the Navy and Marine Corps, both founded in 1775, though later in the year. Kristy Grayson, a Navy veteran affiliated with the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans, noted the shared 250-year legacy among the services and emphasized the importance of honoring all who have worn the uniform.
Attendees are also encouraged to visit the VFW Military History Museum, located within the mall and co-sponsor of the event. The museum features an extensive collection of uniforms, equipment and stories from American conflicts including World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and more recent operations. According to Visit Simi Valley, the museum offers a “hands-on and visual educational experience” for visitors of all ages. It is located at 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Suite 220, and open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, call the museum at (805) 578-1539 or visit vfwpost10049.org.
As flags rise and candles are lit on a historic birthday cake, Simi Valley’s Flag Day ceremony promises a heartfelt salute to military service and a celebration of the ideals the flag continues to represent.
