By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
A new display featuring a rare 35-star United States flag took center stage during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Otsego Area Historical Museum on Saturday, Nov. 11.
More than 80 people were on hand for the ceremony, according to OAHM board member Brad Fisher.
“It was an amazing event,” Fisher said. “We heard so many great comments from people who attended.”
The flag was gifted to the museum by the family of William Joseph Carroll, a local Civil War soldier. Carroll’s rifle from the war, his diary from the first half of 1865 and a battle-flag remnant were also donated and are part of the display.
OAHM co-chair Larry Harness served as master of ceremonies, with Otsego United Methodist Church paster Jeremy Africa leading a prayer. Other speakers included state senator Thomas Albert, Otsego City Manager Aaron Mitchell, OAHM co-chair Lyneta Nowak, Fisher and Kari Miller from Miller Fenwood Art Restoration.
Following the speakers, attendees filed into the display room and the display was unveiled as the brass band played the Star Spangled Banner. Civil War reenactors lowered the veil.
“The sounds and sights were something to behold,” Fisher said.
For those interested in viewing the 35-star flag display, the OAHM is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Call (269) 692-3775 for more information.