MOUNT VERNON – The City of Mount Vernon announces a special addition to its Public Square in celebration of the city’s 220th birthday during the June First Friday event and in connection with the upcoming America 250 semiquincentennial celebrations.
Two flags that were flown over President George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia on June 1, 2025, now fly proudly in Mount Vernon.
The flags include a 3-by-5-foot, traditional, embroidered American flag and a replica of General George Washington’s personal Commander-in-Chief Standard.
This striking and historically significant banner flew during Washington’s leadership of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, marking the American fight for independence. It features a deep blue field with 13 six-pointed, white stars, representing the 13 original colonies, arranged in rows that symbolize Washington’s unique authority, and was used to mark his presence on the battlefield and in military encampments.
The flags were raised on Public Square on the morning of June 5 as a symbol of the city’s namesake and to highlight the historic bond between Mount Vernon, Ohio, and the legacy of America’s founding father. The flags are just a small piece in a more-than-yearlong effort to honor the city’s history as we approach America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
“We are deeply honored to fly these flags on Public Square,” said Mayor Matthew Starr. “They are a meaningful tribute not only to our city’s heritage but also to the enduring values that George Washington represented: courage, leadership, and service to the common good.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit Public Square to view the flags and reflect on the shared legacy that connects Mount Vernon, Ohio, to the home of the nation’s first president, and to the story of our nation.
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.
