Flag Day Parade - Sensory Friendly Section
2019 FLAG DAY PARADE
SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2019 AT 2:00 P.M.
Join us for the 2019 Flag Day Parade. We will unite to honor our men and women serving in the armed forces and our veterans. Celebrating our men and women is an opportunity where we can work together, we unite to become a stronger community - we become "One Framingham".
SENSORY-FRIENDLY AREA
To create an inclusive environment for the 2019 Flag Day Parade, the city has designated a Sensory-Friendly Area for the first block of the parade. This means the entertainment will be altered to accommodate children and families with autism and other sensory disorders.
In the first block between Clinton Street in front of St. Stephen’s Church and Memorial Plaza (in front of the Memorial Building), parade participants will refrain from using flashing lights and sounding sirens, horns, and loud music. This section has been designated in blue below.
Sponsored by The Explorers Program of Framingham Public Schools, the Sensory-Friendly Area will also provide table activities for kids, as well as the distribution of fidget toys which can help kids focus, self-regulate, and provide a calming influence.
With support from the Autism Alliance of MetroWest, A Program of Advocates and their Autism Welcoming Initiative, children will be offered noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and a squishy toy to use during the parade. Therapro of Framingham has also generously donated a variety of toys for children to have.
Courtesy of the Autism Alliance of MetroWest, A Program of Advocates, families can download a Social Story prior to the event in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. On Sunday, they can find the activities in the parking lot next to the Boston Church of Christ - as designated by the puzzle / heart icon on the map below.
The parade will progress normally beginning at the Memorial Building which means that all sounds and lights will begin once the parade participants round the corner to Union Ave.
“The Flag Day Parade is a symbol of appreciation to those that are serving our country, our veterans and their families. Because we all know freedom is not free, we gather to honor those who help pay for that freedom” said Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer.
PARADE ROUTE
The Parade will start at St Stephen's Church and end at Bowditch Field.
To make this a successful event, we need your help. If you are willing to volunteer or make a contribution, it would be greatly appreciated:
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Visit the official website for the Flag Day Parade on the City's website to learn more, fill out a form to volunteer, or make a donation.
ABOUT FLAG DAY
Today, Flag Day is celebrated with parades, essay contests, ceremonies, and picnics sponsored by veterans' groups, schools, and groups like the National Flag Day foundation whose goal is to preserve the traditions, history, pride, and respect that are due the nation's symbol, Old Glory. Learn more about the Histiry of Flag Day and learn how to properly display the American Flag: https://www.military.com/flag-day