“We [the Allentown Band] are very proud to have been part of the Allentown Flag Day Association’s program since its inception in 1907,” says Ronald Demkee, Allentown Band Conductor.

The Allentown Band presents its annual “Flag Day Celebration” concert, 7 p.m. June 14, West Park, Allentown.

The Allentown Flag Day Association (AFDA), organized in 1907, is said to be the oldest incorporated Flag Day Association in the United States.

Each year, it is customary for the AFDA to hold a flag-raising ceremony at Allentown City Hall, essay contest in the Allentown middle schools, band concert at Allentown’s West Park and participate in Lehigh County’s quarterly ceremony for newly-naturalized citizens.

This year’s program commences with the Allentown Band, recently named a finalist in the 2024 Community Band division of The American Prize, performing several preludes.

The first work is Morton Gould’s arrangement of the familiar patriotic tune “Yankee Doodle.”

Gould, a child prodigy, wrote his first compositions at age six, later studying at the Institute of Musical Art, now the Juilliard School.

The band performs “Selections from 1776” by composer, pianist and songwriter Sherman Edwards, best known for his songs for the 1969 Broadway musical “1776” and 1972 film adaptation.

The final prelude features Evelyn Stewart, soprano, in a performance of “America the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward.

Master of Ceremonies Major General Gerald Still (Ret.) provides welcoming remarks followed by the presentation of the colors by members of the Donald S. Reinert VFW Post 7293 and invocation by Pastor Jane Matsinger of St. James United Church of Christ, Allentown.

AFDA President Dennis Pearson will lead event attendees in the “Pledge of Allegiance” after which Stewart joins the band in a performance of the United States national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”

The event guest speaker is New Tripoli native Rear Admiral David P. Keller (Ret.).

Keller, a graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, Muhlenberg College and George Washington University, served for 30 years in the United States Navy, including overseas duty in Vietnam. Cambodia and the Philippines.

The program continues with the announcement of the Middle School Essay Contest winners.

In recognition of all veterans, the Allentown Band performs Dick Hayman’s “Armed Forces Salute,” including the “Space Force March,” arranged by Principle Clarinet Steven Reistetter, and Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America.”

After retirement of the colors, the band performs John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The program closes with farewell remarks by Major General Still.

Says Conductor Demkee, “I like the way the Flag Day Association invites middle school students to submit essays on what the flag means to them. It is also encouraging to see the people of Allentown support this event.”

“Flag Day Celebration,” Allentown Band, 7 p.m. June 14, West Park, 16th and Linden streets, Allentown. Inclement weather location: Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 Elm St., Allentown; Tickets not required. Information: https://allentownband.com

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com