Councilor Kevin Donoghue Addressing Attendees At The Flag Day Celebration

By Carol McCracken

What is normally an outdoor celebration of Flag Day was forced  inside today because of the rain and cool temperatures.  But  that didn’t dampen the spirits of the smaller than usual crowd who gathered to observe the day at the Observatory on the Hill.

Hillary Bassett, director of Greater Portland Landmarks who manages the Observatory for the City, welcomed the group of supporters and said this event is an example of the “cooperative spirit of the city.”  She thanked the many sponsors of the event.  Then she introduced Councilor Kevin J. Donoghe, in whose district the Observatory is located.

Donoghue who lives near the Observatory said it is a symbol of “stability” in this constantly changing neighborhood .  “A historic structure like this allows us (politicans) to slow down and think about our City with a long view.”

Following the flag raising, visitors were free to take a self-guided tour to the top of the Observatory.  There was no fog and so the stupendous view was unhindered by the weather.  Balladeer David Peloguin entertained visitors with his marine-oriented music.  Tours of Munjoy Hill and of the Eastern Cemetery went on as scheduled.