Mason County Sheriff’s Office represents State of Michigan in flag sojourn
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — On Friday, Feb. 20, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office served as the Michigan representative for the Flag Sojourn 250. The sojourn was created by the National Flag Foundation and launched at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Flag Day, June 14, 2026. The flag was presented to the American Battle Monuments Commission and began its journey in Europe where it was raised at all 26 U.S. military cemeteries in 10 countries. it also traveled to U.S. territories in the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. It returned to the U.S. last October and was presented to the National Sheriffs’ Association for its travel throughout the states. It is traveling to a sheriff’s office in each state.
The National Flag Foundation’s website states:
“The National Flag Foundation is a proud partner to America250. America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. America250 aims to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.”
In July, the flag will be formally presented to the America 250th Committee in Washington, D.C.
The flag was raised at the Mason County Sheriff’s Office on Friday by four Mason County sheriff’s deputies, including three U.S. Marine Corps veterans. The flag detail included veterans Sgt. Ken Baum, and deputies Michael Hays and Matt Bryant along with Sgt. Russ Phillips.
“This is a true honor for the Mason County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Mason County, to be selected as the representatives of the State of Michigan for this solemn and patriotic event,” said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. “We believe that the people of Mason County and west Michigan truly represent all that is good about the United States. We are proud of our country’s great history and legacy.”
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