JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA — May 21, 2026. On an evening centered on service, respect, and the next generation, Guardians of Old Glory presented 100 brand-new, American-made American flags to Scout Troop 473 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville.

These flags were not simply gifts to display. They were entrusted to the Scouts for a lasting community mission: identify aging and worn American flags, offer to replace them with new ones, and ensure the old flags are retired with the dignity they deserve.

A Community United Around the Flag

The ceremony brought together members of Scout Troop 473, U.S. Marine Corps recruiters, the Jacksonville Fire Department, and representatives of UF Health Jacksonville’s Leon L. Haley Jr. Brain Wellness Program, alongside veterans, families, and community supporters.

Seeing Scouts stand alongside Marines, firefighters, healthcare representatives, and neighbors was a reminder that honoring the American flag is a shared responsibility—and that young people can lead by example.

100 Flags, 100 Opportunities to Serve

The Scouts’ work continues beyond the ceremony. As they distribute the flags throughout Northeast Florida, they can help veterans, healthcare facilities, community organizations, and patriotic homeowners replace flags that have become worn or tattered. The troop also plans to respectfully retire the flags being replaced.

Each replacement is an opportunity to talk about the flag, the people who have served beneath it, and the importance of treating it with care.

With Gratitude to Our Jacksonville Partners

Guardians of Old Glory extends heartfelt thanks to Scoutmaster Jamison Chattin and the leadership team of Troop 473, including Michael “Mike” Woodward and John Sagami, for helping coordinate this effort and carrying the mission forward.

We are especially grateful to Sergeant Alfredo Gutierrez Correa for helping coordinate the participation of the U.S. Marine Corps recruiters. Thank you as well to the Jacksonville Fire Department and the representatives from UF Health Jacksonville’s Leon L. Haley Jr. Brain Wellness Program, including Ronald C. Hasty, for their support and involvement.

Above all, thank you to the Scouts and their families. The real measure of this ceremony will be the flags they help raise in their community and the example they set for others.

Help Carry the Mission Forward

At Guardians of Old Glory, we believe the American flag is more than a symbol. It tells the story of those who served, those who sacrificed, and the freedoms we share. Our mission is to bring communities together through American-made flag donations, respectful flag retirement, and education that inspires the next generation.

As we expand flag donation ceremonies and youth-led service projects across the country, we welcome corporate sponsors, patriotic partners, and community supporters who share this commitment. Visit GuardiansOfOldGlory.org to learn more and connect with us.

One flag. One community. One generation inspired to carry the mission forward.