PRESTON – Todd Thomas of Preston put together a display of American flags for America 250 at Craner Field. The display showcases the history of the American Flag.
Thomas is a home health physical therapist for Franklin Medical Center and five term Preston City council member.
“I love flags. If you have ever driven by my house during the holidays, you would see how much I love flags,” he said. “There are 26 flags on display representing the progression of the American flag. They start with the Union Jack used in 1775 to the one we use today with 13 stripes and 50 stars.”
The current 50-star American flag is officially known as the “Star-Spangled Banner” or “Old Glory.” It was adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state.
The design is specified by the Flag Act of 1818 and subsequent regulations state the flag is supposed to be a symbol of national unity and pride in the United States.
Thomas was on the Franklin County America 250 committee, and they asked him to sponsor the display.
“I knew Colonial Flag in Salt Lake had a package with the progression of historical flags,” Thomas said. “I applied for a grant from the America 250 Foundation, and we got $2,000 from them to pay for the flags. We also had a hotdog fundraiser that helped.”
The America 250 Foundation is the nonprofit established by Congress to plan and coordinate the multi-year commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The foundation’s primary mission was to engage all Americans in nationwide events, educational programs, and local celebrations.
“We not only got the flags, but it also included a large banner of the Declaration of Independence,” he said. “We bought some solar powered lights to light up the display at night. It’s quite spectacular when it is all lit up at night.”
Craner Field is also a place close to the city councilman’s heart.
Preston City purchased Craner from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2020. The property is located directly across Hwy 91 from Preston Junior High School.
“We have a cement walking path at Craner Field where people can walk to get exercise,” Thomas said. “Now they can get a civics lesson at the same time.”
Each flag has a tag that tells about it and when it was used.
“We plan to have this display up until Rodeo Weekend, July 30, 31 and August 1,” he said. “After Rodeo Weekend we plan to put up the display at the Franklin County Fair. Then we will put it in storage until we want to display it again.”
He said this collection of flags should last for a long time, or at least as long as he’s alive.