Archbishop Paul Leibold Assembly #1621 at 1800 Ohio Pike, Amelia, OH 45102-2019 US - Star Spangled Banner Flag

  Did you know that the flag pictured here is the only 15 star, 15 striped flag in our history? It was created when VT and KY were admitted into the Union, and became the Official U.S. Flag on May 1, 1795.

Mary Pickersgill and her daughter were commissioned to make two flags for the Government two years before the battle at Fort McHenry; both flags were hand-stitched. The first, called a Storm Flag, measured 17 feet high by 25 feet wide. That was the flag that flew during the battle. The second flag measured 30 feet high by 42 feet wide and was the flag Francis Scott Key saw through his telescope on September 13, 1814 as the British retreated. It is now preserved in the Smithsonian Museum.

With this in mind, we asked the local parochial grade schools in our area if they are interested in having the 4th Degree Color Corps explain the evolution of the American flag from its earliest days to our current design. We will also demonstrate the proper procedure of folding the flag when it is retired at the end of the day.

We are using a 4 x 6 foot flag to demonstrate the proper way to fold the flag at sunset. We have a dedicated team of six Color Corpsmen who have been practicing hard for this presentation. We have already given our program at St. Thomas More in Withamsville and St. Louis in Owensville. Interested in joining our group? Well, then ... give me a call ... dust off your swords, fluff up your chapeau, wash your gloves, and prepare your cape for what promises to be a very exciting and educational experience for both students and members.