The Four Flags Ceremony first began on Memorial Day in 1968, as a way to commemorate the complex heritage of the region. In its early years, only the French Fleur-de-Lys, British Kings Colors, and Betsy Ross American Flagwere included. It wasn’t until 1986 that the Seneca Nation flag was officially added, designed through contests held at both the Cattaraugus and Allegany reservations. The annual event, organized by the Four Flags Joint Service Club Committee, commemorates the cultural and national influences that have shaped the region through the ceremonial raising of four flags: The Seneca Nation, France, England, and the United States. Between 100 and 120 people are expected to attend this year’s ceremony, a testament to the enduring importance of the tradition in Warren County.

“This event has been going on since 1967 and continues to be an institution in itself,” said Mike Holtz, Warren city manager and longtime advocate for the event. “It represents what Memorial Day is about and also the start of the summer season.”

Holtz emphasized that each flag raised during the ceremony represents a chapter in the region’s past: The Seneca Nation flag, honoring the first inhabitants of the region; the French Fleur-de-Lys, representing French dominion in the late 1600s; the British Kings Colors, recognizing English rule following the French; and the Betsy Ross American flag, symbolizing the United States and current sovereignty.

“The raising of the Four Flags has significant importance to Warren County because it pays tribute to the people who occupied Warren County at different times in history,” Holtz said.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer The 2024 version of the Four Flags commemoration - which includes raising the flags along the bank of the Allegheny River for each of the four nations that have claimed the Warren area in its history- will be held at 10am at Crescent park.

Maury Cashman will serve as master of ceremonies, leading a program that includes music, flag presentations, community recognitions, and remarks from special guest speaker Ellen Paquette, daughter of the late Chase Putman, a local historian and one of the founders of the Four Flags tradition.

“Ellen grew up in a house that exudes and values Warren County history,” Holtz said. “She will be speaking on the many aspects of Warren County.”

The ceremony will begin with an invocation by Pastor Jeff Ewing of First Lutheran Church of Warren, followed by a series of musical performances provided by the Warren Area High School Band, under the direction of Marcia White and Garry Campbell.

As each flag is presented, an accompanying national anthem will be performed: “Trail of Tears” for the Seneca Nation of Indians Flag, “La Marseillaise” for the French Flag, “God Save the Queen” for the British Flag, and “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the American Flag.

Assisting in the ceremony will be Boy Scouts from Troop 13, part of the Chief Cornplanter Council, based at North Warren Presbyterian Church. They will serve as the event’s color guard, helping to raise the flags with dignity and respect.

Over time, Heritage Point has become a meaningful historical site. In 1987, the Birdstone Monument, sculpted by Seneca artist Carson Waterman, was added to the site to honor the cultural contributions and presence of the Seneca Nation. A year later, local Boy Scouts completed the Heritage Walk, a brick pathway made from reclaimed city bricks that connects the monuments, adding yet another layer of community involvement to the grounds.

The ceremony is made possible through the collaboration of the Four Flags Joint Service Club Committee, which includes members from the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, and other unaffiliated community volunteers. Their dedication to keeping this event alive is matched only by the support of numerous local partners.

Special thanks have been extended to: Warren Elks Lodge 223 and American Legion Post 132, for helping purchase new flags, WCCBI and John Papalia, for providing sound equipment and event publicity, and City of Warren staff, including Michael Holtz, Kassie Damcott, Joe Reinke, and the Department of Public Works, for administrative and logistical assistance.

“These folks help make this event happen year after year,” Holtz said. “It’s truly a team effort.”

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pleasant Township. “Interestingly, in 57 years, the event has only been held indoors twice,” Holtz noted.

Organizers are encouraging the entire community to attend. “We encourage anyone and everyone to attend the Ceremony,” Holtz added. “Folks of all ages can gain something from this event. The Warren Area High School Band will be performing the national anthems and background music, and the Boy Scouts will be in attendance to assist in the raising of the flags.”

“It’s a great event. It typically lasts about an hour, and it’s a meaningful way to remember what the Memorial Holiday is all about,” he continued.

With its mix of music, history, and remembrance, the Four Flags Ceremony offers Warren County residents a unique opportunity to honor their past while coming together as a community. Organizers hope that this year’s ceremony will continue to inspire reflection, gratitude, and unity.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring lawn chairs for seating at Crescent Park. The program begins promptly at 10 a.m.

For updates or weather-related location changes, please visit the City of Warren’s website or follow their official social media channels.