Images Speak: Bennington Flag 1776

This year’s 9th Annual Flag Day Celebration, June 14 from 2 to 3 p.m. will take place at the stage in Hazel Tilton Park in downtown Jacksonville. In case of rain, the event will be held inside Jacksonville City Hall.

The program will recognize 250 years of the Flag. Special emphasis will be given to the Bennington Flag 1776, which like many Revolution era flags, features 13 stars and 13 stripes, symbolic of the 13 American colonies that were in a stateof rebellion against Great Britain. The Bennington version is easily identified by a large ‘76’ in the canton, recalling the year 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Another distinctive feature of the Bennington flag is thearrangement of the 13 stripes, with white being outermost rather than red being outermost as in most U.S. flags. Also, itsstars have seven points each, instead of the now-standard five points. Associated with the American Revolution Battle of Bennington, this flag was never adopted as an official U.S. Flag.

During this year’s Flag Day program several Cherokee County residents will highlight stories of their ancestors who lived and served during the Revolutionary War era. Soloists such as Gary McGaughey and Samuel “Sammy” Beall will performpatriotic songs on stage. A combined choir composed of church members from Sweet Union Baptist, New Hope Baptist and Benson Memorial CME will perform a medley.

The Lykins family will open the event by playing and singing “More Than a Flag” and close the event by leading thecrowd in singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” The Lykins will be assisted on stage by Mayor Randy Gorham and “Bertha,” his bass fiddle.

Very special thanks to the following for supporting the 2026 Flag Day: The Cherokee County Historical Commission, theJacksonville Wednesday Study Club, Keep Jacksonville Beautiful, Jacksonville Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, Jacksonville Mayor Randy Gorham, City Manager James Hubbard and the City of Jacksonville.

 

(If you have stories to share contact Deborah Burkett, Flag Day Chair, at 903-752-7850 or debbietroup7@yahoo.com)