David's Cemetery Association Flag Day 2015

On June 12, 2015 we hosted our third annual David's Cemetery Flag Day Celebration. There was wind, there was rain, there was lightning and then there was sunshine! Despite the weather earlier in the day we were fortunate enough to be able to celebrate Flag Day with a fantastic line-up of patriotic activities. After offering up a little dinner (hot dog, chips, drink and a cookie), the evening began with the inaugural raising of our new flag (30' X 60') in the Old Glory Plaza (soon to be completed,dedicated and opened for niche purchases). With the help of Boy Scout Troop #236 and approximately 30 of it's members the flag was carried to our new flag pole and raised while To The Colors and a medley of anthems from each branch of the military played. It was a beautiful sight to see!

The Kettering Fire Department Honor Guard (Mike Miller, Ethan Klussman, Kris Denlinger) presented the colors and the National Anthem was performed by Alex Wunder from Kettering Fairmont High School. Alex was the 2013 winner of "Ohio's Got Talent!" and sang the National Anthem in front of a sell-out crowd at Fifth Third FIeld on Opening Night 2014.

Entertainment began with The Kettering Children's Choir. The Kettering Children's Choir has established a local and national reputation of choral excellence and is one of the largest and most successful children's choral programs in the state of Ohio. It was founded in 1986 and now includes over 200 singers from 9 counties and 30 Miami Valley communities. Singers range in age from 8 to 18 and are admitted to the program by audition.

Following the impressive and enjoyable performance by the choir, we were overjoyed to host the Kettering Banjo Society. They have quite a reputation and quite a loyal following!! Since the early '70's, the Kettering Banjo Society has grown to be one of the best Banjo Bands east of the Mississippi. Instruments included are banjos, keyboards, tuba and other brass, bass, saw, harmonica, accordions and mandolins. These instruments, along with vocalists, present a wide variety of musical styles and variations. It is the intent of the KBS to preserve and promote a style of music extremely popular and loved by generations of the 19th and 20th centuries. Included are good old ragtime, showboat era, Americana and patriotic selections, all creating a happy and lively toe-tapping mood. The nostalgic memories evoked are enjoyed by all ages. They entertained and inspired us all!

A memorable Flag Retirement Ceremony was led by Eagle Scout Carson Stone from Boy Scout Troop 236. Troop 236 is sponsored by the Christ United Methodist Church, in the Wright Brothers District which is a part of the Miami Valley Council.

We estimate that even with the inclement weather we had 450-500 in attendance.

Looking forward to next year!!!