City to celebrate 50 years as Flag City USA

FINDLAY — Findlay is planning a community-wide "show of colors" this Flag Day, June 14, to celebrate its 50th year as Flag City USA, and The Courier has got you covered! Mayor Christina Muryn is expected to issue a proclamation commemorating the event and is asking all city residents and businesses to display the American flag, beginning June 10 through Flag Day, and to keep it on display. The city of Findlay was named the Flag Capital of the United States on Flag Day, June 14, 1968. The city was officially declared "Flag City, U.S.A." on May 7, 1974, by House Joint Resolution #1003, introduced by then-Congressman Tennyson Guyer. "We hope to see flags displayed outside of every home and business. The American flag is a symbol of liberty, freedom and pride in our country," Muryn said. "I look forward to uniting as a community to put our patriotism on display." On June 13, The Courier will publish a star-spangled commemorative edition, which will include a printed version of Old Glory, suitable to display in a window, to help with the effort. The edition will include stories about the Flag City USA designation, and its visibility throughout the community, along with instructions for flag etiquette. On June 9, the Hancock Historical Museum, 422 W. Sandusky St., will be "Celebrating 50 Years of Flag City" from 1-4 p.m. The event will feature patriotic games and crafts, a special exhibit, a children's illustrated book exhibit by the University of Findlay's Mazza Museum, 201 College St., and free red, white and blue snow cones from the Kona Ice food truck. America's Founding Father John Hancock, portrayed by Tom Davis, will be touring the grounds, and Dan Haas will give a presentation on proper flag etiquette and disposal at 2:15 p.m. in the museum's community room. The museum will also be collecting old and damaged flags for an official retirement ceremony to be held at a later date. The museum's campus will also be open and free to tour, with no registration necessary. The event is made free to the public as part of The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation's "Fun for All" series of free community events. On June 13, residents can play wiffle ball with Muryn at a "Move with the Mayor" event to be held from 6-8 p.m. at Miracle Park, 3430 N. Main St. The event is free and open to the community. The first 100 children to the event will receive a free t-shirt. Movement Church, 200 S. Main St., will be at the game, providing free popcorn, hot dogs and water. The "Keep Active, Keep Healthy" bus will also be at the game, along with a city fire truck and a police car for the children to check out. Also on June 13, Joy Bennett, curator and archivist of the Hancock Historical Museum will give a presentation about the celebrations that have "defined Flag City USA for more than 50 years," and the people who made it happen. The presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.