FINDLAY, Ohio — It all began with one man in Findlay on Flag Day more than five decades ago.
John B. Cook went door to door and spoke with businesses, residences and individuals to ensure everyone was flying a flag. On June 14, 1968, more than 14,000 flags were displayed in Findlay.
Years later in 1974, the city received national recognition.
"To keep that legacy alive, Congressman Tennyson Guyer worked with the women's division at the Chamber of Commerce and they made sure that this legacy stayed alive," said Sarah Foltz, executive director of the Hancock Historical Museum.
Mayor Christina Muryn said since the recognition, the city has worked to continue the display.
"That was a congressional designation that we received that really just celebrates the patriotism we have as our community and the large flag display that we had across our community 50 years ago," Muryn said.
Foltz says from there, the city worked to keep the tradition going.
"So, in 1974, now 50 years later, we're celebrating this just as strong and the history to this story," she said. "We have so many businesses that have named their companies after Flag City. We've taken so much pride in this name. Also, there's a great story behind that to have that national recognition."
This year, the museum created a special exhibition, featuring artifacts and the story of Flag City.
"This year, we also added a 50th anniversary Flag City USA exhibit where you're going to see some artifacts and the overall story of how Flag City came to be, and also how we've celebrated it over the years," Foltz said. "(This) gives us that opportunity to really reflect and think about how much our community has evolved and how much we've achieved over the last 50 years."
The mayor focused on community and gathering.
"It's just about building a community and our community coming together to be proud of who we are," Muryn said. "It just makes me really grateful that we live in this country and that we have a beautiful community and great people. It just makes me grateful for our freedoms."
Foltz said the museum works to preserve Findlay's history and that part of that history includes the name.
"The Hancock Historical Museum's ultimate mission is to preserve the past and inspire the future. We want this to be a hub, a safeguard. We preserve over 80,000 artifacts and archives to make sure our local history and that story is always shared," she said.
"You can't come to Findlay or even pass through Findlay without seeing Flag City USA," she added. "Whether you're on I-75 or just driving through town, you see businesses named Flag City Car Wash, Flag City Realtor, all sorts of businesses like that so I think it's just awesome for visitors to know how much pride we put into our community."