Flag week, June 8-14 this year, is capped by Flag Day. The Friends of the Ferguson are pleased to collaborate with the American Legion Post 125 of Watonga and Boys State in celebrating Flag Day at 10 a.m. June 14 at the Ferguson Museum. The purpose of Flag Day, which celebrates the resolution of the Continental Congress to establish the “Stars and Stripes” in 1777, is to celebrate all U.S. flag represents. However, we are taking this opportunity to also celebrate the centennial of the Oklahoma flag. In that regard, the principal speaker is Matthew Pearce, Ph.D. who will speak about Oklahoma flags. The original red flag of 1911with a large 46 was replaced in 1925 with the current flag (okhistory.org). The Ferguson family served under both flags.
Dr. Pearce grew up in Colorado and initially wanted to be a high school history teacher and basketball coach. Instead of going straight into teaching after graduating from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, Pearce entered graduate school in Oklahoma. He received his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma. He was named state historian for the Oklahoma History Center in early 2024 https://www.citynewsokc. com/ . Part of his work is to oversee entries into the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, a very useful online volume.
Activities will include a welcome by Friends President Connie Burcham, a presentation of the colors by Boys’ State Attendees and American Legion Post 125 with the National Anthem Sung by Janine Espy. Boys Staters will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Oklahoma Pledge. President Burcham will read the President’s Proclamation of Flag Day. One of the Boys Stater will give a short presentation on the U.S. Flag. We will conclude with a singing of America the Beautiful and “Oklahoma” before enjoying some homemade ice cream and desserts.
And don’t forget your tickets to the annual Ferguson Tea one week later, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 at the Watonga Baptist Church. Tickets are available at the museum during its regular hours or call Janine at (907) 2521866. There are still a few tickets left.