The flag was raised at 12 noon, following an introductory talk by Mason Milt VanVlack and the reading of a proclamation by Master Thomas Marshall.

VanVlack said of the ceremony, ``We are here today to commemorate the life of the Father of our country, George Washington, his character and virtues. Our country since World War II has slowly strayed from the principles he set forth for us and our government as our first President.

The National George Washington Bicentennial Committee at Mount Vernon has designated Boothbay Harbor, Maine as a George Washington Bicentennial Community with the Masons of Seaside Lodge #144 as the town's sponsors.''

At noon on Monday, all across the nation, hundreds of American flags were raised over city halls, town halls and many public schools. These flags have been flown over Washington's home at Mount Vernon during the past decade.

Immediately after the flag raising ceremony, the flag was lowered to half mast in memory of long-time selectman, leading citizen, and fellow Mason Walter Reed.

The Flag will fly over the Boothbay Harbor Town Office until the end of the Fourth of July week.

The 1999 George Washington observances planned by Seaside Lodge will highlight his personal life as an individual, as well as his moral values and principles. During July, publicity will promote a Washington barbecue, while August will feature his life as a Mason. In September, Seaside Lodge plans to present a series of books about George Washington to the BRHS media center. Later in the fall, 18th century toasting will be outlined, and an A & E biography of George Washington will be shown on Channel 5, with commentary by Milt VanVlack. In December, the Lodge hopes to explain what Christmas was like at Mount Vernon.