Flag-raising Ceremony
Mary Fackler, a first-grade teacher at Kingsbury elementary school in the 1890’s through the 1930’s, became an icon in Redlands history and is credited with introducing the Pledge of Allegiance as a daily ritual in public school classrooms, a practice that continues to this day throughout the United States.
In honor Miss Fackler and our local history, Kingsbury first-graders participate in the flag-raising ceremony each year. They arrive on school busses and are led up the steps and to the flagpole area by a drum and fife band dressed in Revolutionary War costumes. The Redlands Police Color Guard ceremoniously raises the flag while an a Capela soloist sings the national anthem. When the flag reaches the top, Redlands firefighters sound off a fire engine siren. The first graders lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by well-rehearsed patriotic songs—complete with hand gestures. Everybody heads up to the playfield for outdoor games and lunch.
