By Ryan Rerich

Schulenburg Sticker Intern

Alyssa Michalke will be the guest speaker at the 10 a.m. flag raising to kick off the 127th annual St. John Parish Picnic on Saturday, July 4.

Michalke, valedictorian of the Schulenburg High class of 2012, became the commander of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets in early May, marking the first time in its 139-year-history that a female assumed that position.

The flag raising at St. John, located six miles southwest of Schulenburg on FM 957, involves local veteran organizations, and any local veterans are welcomed to take part in the ceremony. Deceased veterans of the St. John area will be honored.

Eugene Krupala will be emceeing the ceremony, as he has done for the past 30 years.

“I think it is important to emphasize and stress the true meaning of July 4th to the younger generations to ensure that they do not lose what the holiday is all about; celebrating American Independence Day and honoring our veterans,” said Krupala.

After the flag raising, the dinner – stew, chicken and all the trimmings – will begin around 10:30 a.m. Free live music kicks off at 10:30 a.m. The Shiner Hobo Band, Dujka Brothers, Red Ravens, and Texas Dream will perform. An auction starts at 12:30 p.m. and the fireworks show is slated for 10 p.m.