“Under Three Flags” memorial placed at Heritage Point, where the Four Flags Ceremony will take place on Saturday

The annual Four Flags ceremony will return to Warren this Saturday at 10 a.m. at Heritage Point in Crescent Park, continuing a long-standing tradition that honors the groups who once occupied and governed the region.

The ceremony recognizes the Native Americans, French, English and Americans who each played a role in the area’s history. City Manager Mike Holtz explained that the event uses historical “period flags” rather than modern versions, including a 13-star American flag meant to reflect the era being represented.

“The whole idea of the Four Flags ceremony is to honor all those that once governed this land,” Holtz said. “It’s important to know our history and how Warren got to where it is today.”

This year’s keynote speaker will be Michael Marinkovich, park ranger at Chapman Dam State Park.

Past speakers have included veterans, local leaders and longtime residents with ties to Warren’s history. Michael Suppa, chairman of the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission and a lifelong Warren resident, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Holtz also highlighted the cost and effort involved in maintaining the tradition. A new set of flags is purchased each year at a cost of about $4,000, funded in part through donations. He encourages community members interested in supporting and donating to the event to contact the city. The flags are typically displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day in November.

“It’s always a great way to mark the beginning of the summer season,” said Holtz.