Flag Sojourn America 250: Fort Ligonier Association Member Event

Fort Ligonier Association members are invited to join us for a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony welcoming the American Sojourn flag on its journey to Washington, D.C. in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

National Flag Foundation/Sojourn 250

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, a single American flag is undertaking a year-long sojourn across the globe and the United States to honor service, sacrifice, and shared national ideals (e.g. the journey toward a “more perfect union” where all “are created equal” and “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”) Thirteen stops across the Pittsburgh region serve as the concluding chapter of Sojourn 250 before the flag enters the national stage in Washington, D.C.

Fort Ligonier is proud to serve as one of the Pittsburgh region’s thirteen stops.

Grounding the journey in the opening shots of the French and Indian War in today’s Laurel Highlands region, George Washington’s pivotal role that prepared him to lead the Continental Army, and the events that occurred at Fort Ligonier including Washington’s Friendly Fire Incident ignited the march to the American Revolution.

The sojourn flag will arrive at Fort Ligonier shortly before 9:00 AM with a coordinated escort by the Allegheny and Westmoreland County sheriffs. The ceremony will take place in the Upper Fort where guests will gather around the flagpole. A golf cart is available for guests with mobility issues. 

Historical interpreters will lower the British flag followed by the Sheriff’s Association ceremoniously raising the American flag. Fort Ligonier Executive Director Mary Manges and a representative of the National Flag Foundation will offer remarks before a ceremonial musket firing. The Sheriff’s Association will then ceremoniously lower the American flag, the historical interpreters portraying members of the Virginia Regiment will raise the British flag.

Attendees are invited to join us at the Center for History Education for coffee and donuts following the ceremony.

Registration is required to attend this free Fort Ligonier Association Member event.