This month, over 2,000 American Flags and memorial crosses will be raised throughout Ringgold to honor fallen soldiers who've called Catoosa County home. This event, known as the Festival of Flags, occurs twice a year, once in May to commemorate Memorial Day and again in November for Veterans' Day. The Memorial Day Festival of Flags celebration begins one week before the holiday on May 19th and runs through June 2nd. Flags and crosses will line portions of Highway 41, Highway 151, and most streets throughout Downtown Ringgold.
There has been some variation of the Festival of Flags in Ringgold since the 1970s and the number of flags and crosses placed has grown with each consecutive year.
The most recent event in November honored nearly 2,100 veterans, with some serving as far back as World War One. The Festival of Flags is organized entirely by volunteers who assume several roles, from the seamstresses who repair damaged flags to those who mark and place the flags themselves. Once the event begins, a list of flag locations will be available on the City of Ringgold Website at cityofringgoldga.gov. If you would like to procure a flag for a loved one, please fill out the Memorial Flag Information Form on the City's website. Forms must be completed at least a month before the event to include your flag in the Festival. You may call Ringgold City Hall at 706-935-3061 for more information.
The City hosts this event to honor fallen U.S. military personnel and encourages residents and visitors alike to view this patriotic display by driving or walking through the decorated areas. The City of Ringgold also urges the public to volunteer for the Festival of Flags by contacting Gilbert Childers at 865-300-7057 or Pete Pedigo at 423-240-9034.