MOHAI Explores the History and Meaning of The Stars & Stripes in a New Exhibit

Joe Rantz 1936 Olympics Flag, courtesy MOHAI

MOHAI Explores the History and Meaning of The Stars & Stripes

 in a New Exhibit opening July 3, 2026

"For Which It Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag" 

SEATTLE — The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) will present an inspiring and thought-provoking exhibit just in time for Independence Day – and running through Nov. 15.

For Which It Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag examines the evolving meaning of the American flag through art, artifacts, historic photos and personal stories. The exhibit opens July 3rd to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration, and it asks MOHAI visitors to reflect on how the flag has served as a symbol, and what it has meant in different moments throughout American history and in their own lives.

Through historic flags and imagery from MOHAI Collections, alongside contributions from community partners, visitors will see how people have used the flag to express themselves in moments of unity, protest, conflict, and change.

“Throughout history and modern-day America, the flag has continually evoked feelings, pride, debate and reflection,” said MOHAI Executive Director Leonard Garfield. “With this exhibit we hope visitors will consider what the flag has represented, what it means today, and what it means for future generations.”

The exhibit includes a wide range of flags and flag-related material, including a WWII burial flag from a Japanese American soldier who served in the 442nd Infantry Regiment, a flag that was found in the wreckage of the 2014 Oso landslide and a flag carried by the “Boys in the Boat” at the 1936 Olympic Games, among others.

The exhibit offers opportunities for engagement as well. Visitors are invited to honor fallen service members, write their own “Pledge of Allegiance,” and weave their own threads into a collective artwork created by a local fiber artist.

The exhibit goes on display at MOHAI during a landmark summer of America250 programming. At the end of July MOHAI will also open the Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation, making the museum a premier regional destination for America250 programming.

The exhibit is part of MOHAI’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue about the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the nation and the Pacific Northwest.

For Which It Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag exhibit is included in the cost of admission. More information about this exhibit, other public programming and MOHAI membership can be found at, www.mohai.org. MOHAI is located in Lake Union Park 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

MOHAI is dedicated to enriching lives through preserving, sharing, and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the nation. As the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington, the museum engages communities through interactive exhibits, online resources, and award-winning public and youth education programs. 

For more information about MOHAI, please visit mohai.org, or call (206) 324-1126. Facebook: Facebook.com/SeattleHistory Twitter: @MOHAI.

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City of Shoreline PRIDE Flag Raised June 1, 2026

On Monday, June 1, 2026 Shoreline City Hall welcomed the public to raise the Progress Pride Flag (2018) iteration by Daniel Quasar. 

More history on Pride Flags here. 

The program opened with an inclusive greeting by councilmembers Chris Roberts and Keith Scully. 

They were joined by emcee Luis Benito  who introduced five local speakers representing various programs, organizations, or initiatives that uplift the safety and joy of Shoreline's LGBTQIA+ community. 

The individuals included Ashley Sullivan (Shoreline Farmers Market), Kevin Hallagan (Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center), Fran Rourke (Diversity Alliance of Puget Sound), Roberto Lopez (No Hate in WA State), and keynote Nina McKenzie. 

Nina led a tribute and raised the flag in honor of her late wife, Sandy Labyris, who founded Everyday Activists in Shoreline.

City Hall is located at 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

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How to Properly Retire a Flag of the United States of America

Shoreline Veterans Recognition Plaza at Shoreline City Hall.

By Doug Cerretti

Photos by Doug Cerretti unless noted

A well used US Flag that needs to be replaced.

You see them flying everywhere: at the Veterans Recognition Plaza at Shoreline City Hall, at the Shoreline Farmers Market, and if you can shine a light on it, you can fly it 24 hours a day as seen at the Starr S. Sutherland, Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion. 

At some point, well displayed US Flags need to be replaced. But what do you do with the well-used flag? 

It is important to note that well used US Flags are never disposed of, they are retired. 

To retire an American flag, the U.S. Flag Code recommends dignified destruction, preferably by ceremonial burning where it's completely reduced to ash, or burial in a dignified box (especially for synthetic flags that release toxins when burned). 

Shoreline Veterans Association booth
at Shoreline Farmers Market.

The easiest way to retire a flag is to drop it off at any veteran organization such as Veterans of Foreign War, The American Legion or Heroes Café (see below). 

Many Scout troops will collect flags. These organizations will property retire the well-used flag. 

Locally, many of these flags find their way to The American Legion Post 127 in Woodinville, WA where they have built a dedicated fire fit to property retire flags. 

Retirement of US Flag with the aid of Boy Scout
 Troop 356 at Post 127 of The American Legion.
Photo by RB White

Members of Post 127 as well as guests including Boy Scout Troop 356, Bothell, WA and the American Heritage Girls troop WA0722 and WA0627 in Everett and WA0821 from Mountlake Terrace have held ceremonies.

Another way to retire a flag is to use textile recycling for fabric scraps after carefully cutting the blue field off. Once the blue field is separated from the Strips, it is no longer considered a flag. See these videos: this YouTube video and this YouTube video.

Retirement of US Flag with the aid of American Heritage Girls Troop WA0722 and
WA0627 from Everett and WA0821 from Mountlake Terrace. Photo by Jim Cornwell

Attending or performing a US Flag retirement ceremony fosters patriotism by turning the retirement of a worn-out symbol into a solemn communal act of respect honoring the nation’s history, sacrifices and values.

Starr S. Sutherland, Jr. Post 227
of the American Legion at night.

Here are the steps to properly retire an American flag which you can do yourself:

Ceremonial Burning (Preferred for Cotton Flags) 

• Fold: Fold the flag into the traditional triangle, 13 folds in total (13 folds in total).
• Prepare: Set up a fire in a safe, private location, like a brazier or fire pit, with wood coals.
• Present: Present the folded flag, salute, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. 
• Burn: Place the flag in the fire, allowing it to burn completely to ash.
• Dispose: Bury the ashes respectfully, or place them in a dignified container.

Locations to drop off well displayed US Flags:

• The Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion, 14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
• American Legion Post 127, 21920 State Route 9 SE, Woodinville, WA 98072
• Heroes Café Shoreline, Seattle Scottish Rite Center, 1207 N 152nd Street, Shoreline, WA 98133 (Second Tuesday of every month, 9 am to 1 pm.)
• Heroes Café Woodinville, American Legion Post 127, 21920 State Route 9 SE, Woodinville, WA 98072 (Third Tuesday of every month, 9:30 am to 11:45 am)
• Heroes Café Lynnwood, New Life Church, 6519 188th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037 (Fourth Tuesday of every month, 9am to 1pm)

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Shoreline College raises Black American Heritage Flag

Photo courtesy Shoreline College

On Monday, the Shoreline College campus came together to raise the Black American Heritage Flag for the first time in recognition of Black History Month.

The Black American Heritage Flag honors the culture and history of African American people in the United States. Its colors and symbols were created to instill pride and serve as a symbol of hope in the ongoing pursuit of civil rights and equity.

Monday's flag raising featuring Shoreline students and employees as we celebrate this important moment in our history. Photo courtesy Shoreline College.

Thank you to all who joined us and the next time you are on campus near the 1000 Building, take a moment to check it out!

The campus is located at 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

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New American Flag at Gateway Business Center

Veterans raise the new flag at Gateway Plaza
Photo by Aaron Sholes

By Doug Cerretti

For many years members of the Starr S. Sutherland, Jr Post 227 of The American Legion in Shoreline have maintained the American Flag at Gateway Plaza, 18400 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA by lowering the flag to half-staff when required. 

Flying American flags at half-staff is a symbol of national mourning. This happens whenever a major death, tragic event, or day of remembrance occurs. For example, Memorial Day is a national holiday that commemorates members of the military who have fallen serving their country.

The crew included a 'future veteran"
Photo by Aaron Sholes

One day, Post 227 member Richard Christiansen noticed that the flag was well used and needed replacement. Post 227 Commander Charles Grenard contacted Gina Roma, property manager at Wood Commercial Real Estate, the owners of Gateway. 

Gina ordered a replacement 10’ x 15’ flag. When it arrived, Charles called upon fellow Post members to help raise the new flag. We also called upon a potential veteran of almost 3 years of age.

Photo by Aaron Sholes

Once the flag was attached to the pole, we stood in line and saluted as the new flag was raised, including the potential veteran. It should be noted that well used American Flags are not disposed of, THEY ARE RETIRED. Please look forward to an upcoming article in Shoreline Area News on the proper way to retire the Stars and Stripes.

Correction: The photographer is Aaron Sholes

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Flag lowering and memorial for Washington State Patrol Trooper killed in line of duty

Governor Bob Ferguson has ordered the flags to be lowered Saturday, December 27, 2025 for Washington State Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, 29, Badge #720, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty on Friday, December 19, 2025. 

I have no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, December 26, 2025. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Saturday, December 27, 2025, or first thing Monday morning, December 29th. 

Trooper Guting was standing outside of her patrol car investigating a two-vehicle collision when she was struck just before 7:30pm on southbound State Route 509 near milepost 2, south of the Port of Tacoma. Individuals on scene rendered aid, but the trooper ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

She answered her final call Friday night, marking the 34th time in WSP’s 105-year history that the agency lost one of its own in line of duty. 

The Washington State Patrol will be hosting an intimate, family-focused service with appropriate law enforcement honors on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Life Center Central Campus located at 1717 S. Union Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405.

 

Saturday’s service will not include a law enforcement processional, and has a focus on being surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues. As space may be limited, the event will be live streamed by TVW

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Flags at Half-Staff Wednesday August 20, 2025

Flags at Half-Staff - August 20, 2025 (Sergeant Kenneth Salas)

Gov. Bob Ferguson says "I am deeply saddened by the death of Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Kenneth Salas, 59, and direct that Washington state and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

"Sergeant Salas died in the line of duty on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Sergeant Salas served with the Sheriff's Office for 34 years and was a United States Air Force and Washington State Air National Guard veteran."

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Other government entities, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, August 20th, at the Spokane Convention Center at 1:00pm.

Please email FlagDirectives@gov.wa.gov if you have any questions about this flag directive.

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Flag Day June 14, 2021

 

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

The Flag Resolution, passed on June 14, 1777, stated: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

--Full article on Wikipedia

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Flags at half-staff for Patriot Day - anniversary of 9/11 attack

Flag Lowering - 9/11/19 (Patriot Day)

Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, for national Patriot Day, the annual memorial to the victims of the 2001 tragedy.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on September 11, 2019.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

Please call (360) 902-0383 if you have any questions about this flag lowering.

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Displaying the flags

American flag and Washington state flag
at Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Carl Dinse

In response to the letter regarding the POW/MIA flag, the City of Shoreline follows a schedule for flag displays.

For most of the year, the City only flies two flags – the United States flag and the Washington State flag.

On the dates below, the City flies the National League of Families POW/MIA flag:

• Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day on March 30
• Former Prisoners of War Day on April 9
• Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May
• Memorial Day on the last Monday in May
• Flag Day on June 14
• Independence Day on July 4
• National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day third Friday in September
• Veterans’ Day on November 11
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7

American flag and POW-MIA flag
Photo courtesy Dept of Veterans Affairs

This follows the schedule set by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

This year, on June 12, the City raised the rainbow flag in recognition of Pride Month.

On July 1, the City will once again fly the Washington State Flag and on July 4 it will raise the POW/MIA flag.

The flagpole was originally closer to City Hall. When the City provided space for the veterans' memorial, the flagpole was moved to the center of the memorial.

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Flag Day - June 14

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The United States Army also celebrates the U.S. Army birthday on this date; Congress adopted "the American continental army" after reaching a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole on June 14, 1775.

Perhaps the oldest continuing Flag Day parade is in Fairfield, Spokane county, Washington. Beginning in 1909 or 1910, Fairfield has held a parade every year since, with the possible exception of 1918, and celebrated the "Centennial" parade in 2010, along with some other commemorative events. Appleton, Wisconsin, claims to be the oldest National Flag Day parade in the nation, held annually since 1950.

--Wikipedia

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Flag Team camp in December for 3rd through 8th graders

The 3rd Annual Shorecrest Flag Team Camp will be held in December. The Shorecrest Flag Team members will be teaching 3rd through 8th graders basic Flag moves and a short routine during six practices.

The practices will be held on December 3rd and 4th and December 9th-12th at Briarcrest and Lake Forest Park Elementary Schools. Briarcrest practices are 3:40-5:00pm and Lake Forest Park practices go from 5:30-7:00pm.  

The campers will then perform their routine during half time of the Shorecrest/Shorewood basketball game on Friday, December 13, 2013.  

Each camper will receive their own Flag pole/flag and a t-shirt. Come and join the Shorecrest Flag Team for a fun time and be a part of a great Shorecrest Tradition!

Questions:  Contact Linda Cobb.

Registration flyer

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Shorecrest Flag Team wins honors in Victoria

Flag Team performing along the parade route Monday morning
Photo by Barb Swan

The Shorecrest Flag Team has won Best Auxiliary Unit in the Victoria Day Parade this past weekend, in Victoria, British Columbia.

The Shorecrest Flag team performing along the Parliament Steps
Photo by Barb Swan

Under the guidance of Linda Cobb with Co-captains Anna Fahlstrom and Kristen Gunderson, the team marched along with the Shorecrest Band performing along the parade route and again with the band on the main steps of the parliament.

Shorecrest Highlander Flag Team
Photo by Barb Swan

The precision of their movements and the general choreography were standouts among the performers at the parade in Victoria, which was attended by over 50,000 people. 

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Shorecrest hip hop, Shorewood drill and flags win District 1 competitions

Shorewood Drill Team wins District championship
and goes to State

The Shorecrest hip hop and Shorewood drill and flag teams won their respective competitions at the District 1 championships as they prepare for the WIAA State Championships in Yakima on March 22 and 23. 

The Shorewood drill team won first place in the Pom category at the District competition March 9, and the flag team won its show category as well.

Drill coaches are Kathy Ross and Tiffany Bliss and the captains are Nicole Jahng, Lindsey Macalalad, and Rachel Miller. Kim Parker is the flag team coach.

Shorecrest Hip Hop Dance Team wins their
competition at Regional and goes on to State

Shorecrest hip hop team coached by Rex Kinney captured its 8th straight district title having the highest score again out of all of the 17 routines that day and finishing on top in the hip hop category. 

Shorecrest will be performing in the 3A Hip Hop category at the State event.

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Shorewood Flag Team takes first in Salute to Spirit competition

Shorewood Flag Team took first place in Show category
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The Shorewood Flag Team competed in the WIAA's Salute to Spirit at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on the UW campus on January 26, 2013.

The team came away with the first place trophy in the Show category for their French-themed performance.

Shorewood Flag Team in Salute to Spirit competition
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

In the drill down portion of the event, Madison Smith was 9th and Megan Lee won a third place medal.  The team is led by Captains Lisa Le and Kelsey Phariss. Coach Kimberly Parker.

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2012 Shorecrest Scots Flag Camp

Join us for the 2nd Annual Flag Camp

There will be four rehearsals at Briarcrest Elementary School on December 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th from 3:40-5:10 or 5:30-7:00 pm. A final rehearsal will be held at Shorecrest High School on December 15th followed by a half-time performance at the Shorecrest Girl’s Basketball Game that night.

The cost of the camp is $30.00 and each participant will receive a t-shirt and their own flag. For more information contact Kristin Gunderson or Linda Cobb.

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V for Vendetta - Shorewood Flag Team is best in Show

Shorewood Flags Team won first place in the show category at Feb. 4 competition
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Shorewood's flag team won first place in the show category of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) "Salute to Spirit" dance and drill competition at Everett's Comcast Arena on Saturday February 4. 2012. The team is coached by Kim Parker.

The show begins
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The team's starting entry begins their performance on the arena floor.

Kelsey Pharris is the lady in red
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Kelsey Phariss is the lead character of Shorewood's flag team's "V for Vendetta" show performance.

A dramatic finish
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The teams' flags fly high to form a moving arch in the Shorewood presentation.

See more photos of this and other Shorewood sports.

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Shorewood Drill and Flag teams capture first place wins at competition

Shorewood Drill and Shorewood Flag Teams with trophies.  Photo by Stelah Kang

Shorewood Drill Team (Coach Kathy Ross, Captains Clara Lam, Christa Lee, and Mel Wonser) and Shorewood Flag Team (Coach Kimberly Parker, Captain Pauline Douglass, Lieutenants Amanda Leavitt and Dolores Scroggins) competed in the 7th Annual Lake Washington Dance & Drill Competition on Saturday, November 6. Sixteen teams competed in four categories: junior division, military, pom and dance/show.

Shorewood Drill Team was awarded first place out of six teams in the military division.

Shorewood Flag Team captured first place out of three teams in the dance/show division.

Shorewood Drill Team will be hosting their own drill and dance competition on Saturday, December 4, at 1:00 pm in the Shorewood Gymnasium located at 17300 Fremont Avenue North.

Twenty-two of the best drill and dance teams in the northwest will compete, providing an afternoon of exhilarating entertainment. Shorewood is first on the schedule, so plan on arriving at 12:30 pm to avoid long ticket lines.

Fans won't want to miss this award-winning team's exciting and complex routine.

--Sheri Ashleman 

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Shorewood band, cheer, and flag squads at half-time show September 17

Photo essay by Wayne Pridemore, Shorewood Boosters

The Shorewood band, cheer and flag squads opened this years half time performances Friday night, September 17, at the Shorewood - Oak Harbor football game at the Shoreline Stadium

 

SW Band. Photos by Wayne Pridemore.

Shorewood's flag squad does their thing. Photos by Wayne Pridemore.

School spirit from the Shorewood cheer team. Photos by Wayne Pridemore.

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