West Hartford’s first event as part of the America 250 celebration was held at Town Hall, with a variety of activities including a showcase of all 27 of the country’s official flags.

Elaine Kotler (Betsy Ross) and Delores Giordano (George Washington). Courtesy photo

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As we turn our attention to our nation’s 250th anniversary milestone in 2026, West Hartford kicked off the year with a unique event on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026: Flags of America Showcase. This family-friendly event featured:

• All 27 official versions of the American flag, from 1776 to the present, with dates of when states were added to our country. Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus Assembly 3000 of West Hartford and Assembly 138 of Coventry for the flag exhibit and installation.
• The American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96’s 100 years of service exhibit.
• Craft projects, including red, white, and blue beaded bracelets, were available. Attendees learned how to make a Besty Ross five-pointed star with six folds and one cut!
• Children received an “I Love America” activity and coloring book.
• The American Legion gave a flag-folding demonstration and explained the meaning behind each of the 13 folds.
• Old, worn American flags were collected for proper disposal. Attendees learned how to retire their flags respectfully.
• Patrick Harrell shared his story as a soldier who perished during the Civil War.
• Jeanne Berry and Jennifer McLeod of the American Legion Post 96 Auxiliary spoke about the meaning of the words in the Pledge of Allegiance. They also provided coloring books and crayons for children.
• Elaine Kotler, a.k.a. Betsy Ross, explained the meaning of the stars and stripes.
• Dave Mangs and Mike Cervas of the Old Guard of Connecticut entertained the crowd with music and sing-alongs, including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “America the Beautiful,” “This Land is Your Land,” and “God Bless America.”
• Patriotic swag bag door prizes were announced every hour. Special thanks to Elaine Kotler, District 1 President, American Legion Auxiliary.

Patrick Harrell in the role of a Civil War soldier. Courtesy photo

If you missed the event, check out this news story on News 8 (WTNH-TV): https://share.google/gFnhoMTxlaUtcRiMC and WHCi’s 15-minute show produced by Nild Sansone and Chris Printis on YouTube: https://youtu.be/87grD2h0aCU?si=U9XgWcs04YlAoxfg.

Collection of flags around the room. Courtesy photo

Stay tuned for many more upcoming America 250 events in the months ahead. Visit the West Hartford’s America 250 website https://www.WestHartfordct.gov/America250 to learn more.

Jennifer McLeod and Jeanne Berry of the American Legion Post 96 Auxiliary. Courtesy photo

Red, white, and blue beaded bracelet craft table. Courtesy photo

Tom Donahue, master of ceremonies. Courtesy photo

Dave Mangs (left) and Michael Cervas of the Old Guard. Courtesy photo

Melissa Beaudry, Leon Davidoff, Renée McCue. Courtesy photo

Heidi-Anne Mooney, past Commander of the American Legion Post 96. Courtesy photo

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