The Madison County Democratic Committee (MCDC) will honor “Old Glory” in the Madison County Fireman’s Parade, scheduled for July 16 along Main Street in Madison. Committee members will carry flag reproductions representing five eras in United States history.
“The United States flag is the only flag of a major country that has intentionally evolved over time to represent the geographic and political growth of the country,” says Charles Landgraf, a member of the MCDC Executive Committee. Our ‘Salute to Old Glory’ brigade will feature five flags representing important eras in our history.”
The 4-foot by 6-foot reproduction flags include:
- The 13-star “Betsy Ross” flag approved by the Second Continental Congress in June 1977
- The 15-star/15-stripe flag of 1795-1818 that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner”
- The 34-star flag of 1861-1863 that was carried by U.S. Army troops throughout much of the Civil War, until West Virginia’s star was added in 1864
- The 48-star flag of 1912-1959 that accompanied American forces during both World War I and World War II, and was raised at Iwo Jima
- The 50-star flag in use since 1960, which has officially represented the U.S. since the addition of Hawaii’s 50th star.
MCDC parade participants will carry the flags along with explanatory placards detailing each era. Volunteers are welcome to join; the committee will have vehicles available for those who prefer not to walk. Use this link to sign up.
The Madison County Democratic Committee meets monthly, typically on the fourth Saturday morning of the month at 10 am at Antioch Baptist Church. On July 19, the committee will meet at Blue Quartz Winery at 10 am. Doors open at 9:30 am for coffee and conversation.