Erie County Fair: Daily flag retreat ceremony to honor veterans & active military

Public asked to nominate serviceperson at Made In America Store locations 

The Erie County Fair will honor veterans and active military during its daily flag retreat ceremony at Slade Park. Now in its fifth year, this patriotic tradition will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, and continue each evening during the 12-day run.

“Our daily flag retreat ceremony has become a tradition of our fair that we look forward to hosting again this year,” said Jessica Underberg, Erie County Fair CEO. “We are proud to honor the veterans and active service members that have long protected our country each night of the fair. We are asking fairgoers to pause and reflect on our great nation and to remember the men and women for their service, sacrifice and dedication to protecting our country. We feel this is a wonderful way to extend the mission of our Veterans Day committee to span the entire fair.”

During each eight- to 10-minute ceremony, participating fairgoers will be asked to join in the pledge of allegiance. As the bugler sounds retreat, an American flag will be lowered and folded by an honor guard. The flag, which was flown during that day at the fair, will be presented to a veteran and/or an active member of the military who will be the “Flag Retreat Honoree of the Day.” The Erie County Fair All Star Band will perform the “Star Spangled Banner,” a chorus of “God Bless America” and the “United States Armed Forces Medley.”

Made In America Stores will donate “Made in the USA” flags to be used in the daily presentation.

"For Americans, there's no higher honor than to serve our nation's military,” said Mark Andol, founder and owner of Made In America Stores. “As Americans, there's no greater privilege than to say thank you. We are proud to support a continuing tradition at the fair."

To nominate a veteran or active member of the military to be named “Flag Retreat Honoree of the Day,” the public is being asked to complete a nomination form available at any Made in America Store location, or online at www.ECFair.org. Those chosen must be available to attend one of the flag retreat ceremonies between Aug. 9-20. They will receive a full-sized American flag, four fair admission passes, a parking pass, a Strates Shows midway card, and $20 in meal tickets. Deadline for name submissions is July 15.

The Erie County Fair flag retreat ceremony is sponsored by the Made In America Stores.

Additionally, Veterans Day at the Erie County Fair will be Sunday, Aug. 13. That day, admission is free for veterans, active military and auxiliary members (with proper ID), who will also receive a $10 voucher valid toward food, drink or rides. More information is available at www.ECFair.org.