NC Fourth of July Festival to host annual flag retirement ceremony in Southport
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Organizers of the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival are inviting residents and visitors to honor the American flag and its enduring symbolism during the annual Flag Retirement Ceremony on July 3 in downtown Southport.
The ceremony will take place Wednesday, July 3 at 2 p.m. at the Southport Waterfront Park Stage. The event is organized by Richard H. Stewart Jr. American Legion Post 543 and Cape Fear Council Boy Scout Troop 238.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to participate in patriotic songs and join in the Pledge of Allegiance as part of the ceremony, which honors worn and damaged American flags through a respectful retirement process.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Rick Sessa, an Army veteran and longtime Southport resident who has played a significant role in several of the community’s patriotic initiatives.
Sessa became deeply involved in Southport’s Fourth of July traditions after relocating to the area with his wife, Jean. He later helped lead Southport’s participation in the restoration of the September 11 attacks National 9/11 Flag — the American flag that flew above the North Tower of the World Trade Center and survived the attacks.
As part of the restoration tour, communities across the country were invited to help restore the flag’s original 13 stripes through ceremonial stitching events. Organizers said Southport residents contributed an exceptional number of stitches during the town’s ceremony, showcasing the community’s unity and patriotism. The restored flag is now housed at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Inspired by that experience, Sessa later helped establish American Legion Post 543, which supports local veterans, provides student scholarships, sponsors Boys State and Girls State participants, and promotes youth and civic engagement throughout the region.
The Flag Raising Ceremony will take place just before the NC Fourth of July Festival parade.
Southport’s Fourth of July Festival traces its roots back to 1795 and now draws more than 50,000 visitors annually. Over the years, the celebration has expanded through the efforts of civic organizations and community volunteers to include many traditional patriotic festivities.
A complete schedule of festival events and activities is available on the organization’s website.
