Click here to download photos and videos from today's flag-raising ceremony at Goshen Courthouse.
Goshen, Indiana (August 4, 2021) - Today, Elkhart County Commissioners hosted a flag-raising ceremony celebrating the installation and relocation of 2 new flagstaffs on the west side of Goshen's 153-year-old courthouse. Hundreds of Elkhart County citizens joined Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and 2nd District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski for the ceremony featuring veterans, a vintage military flyover, and the 150 piece Goshen High School Band.
“Our courthouses are beautiful pieces in our downtowns across our great state, and they aren’t complete without our great American flag and Indiana flag waving high for everyone to see,” said Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “I was thrilled to join so many patriotic Hoosiers from Goshen and Elkhart County to celebrate our state and nation.”
"We're honored that Lt. Governor Crouch and Rep. Walorski joined us as we raised the flags in their new home on the courthouse campus," commented Suzie Weirick, President of the Elkhart County Commissioners. "It was also great to see the outpouring of community support at today's event. The citizens of Elkhart County hold the ideals wrapped in our flag in the highest possible regard."
“It’s an honor to join my fellow Hoosiers in celebrating this historic flag raising over the Elkhart County Courthouse,” said Rep. Jackie Walorski. “The American flag is a tangible symbol of our nation’s ideals of liberty and justice for all, and I look forward to seeing this flag waving proudly in Elkhart County for years to come.”
Prior to today's ceremony, the American flag has flown from the peak of the Goshen Courthouse for more than a hundred years. The move to ground-level poles was prompted by a growing concern for the safety of county staff.
“When the courthouse was built a hundred and fifty three years ago, it didn’t have a flagpole at the top,” added Brad Rogers, Elkhart County Commissioner. “Around a hundred years or so ago, the pole was added. And it’s a harrowing job to change the flag way up there. So, not only is this new location safer, but now we can fly two flags. That’s why we’ve added the Indiana State flag.”
The decision to relocate the American flag to a safer location and add a second pole for the Indiana State flag was made by a unanimous decision of all three Elkhart County Commissioners.
Folks who could not attend today's flag-raising event can view the recorded ceremony on Elkhart County Government's Facebook page.
ABOUT ELKHART COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Elkhart County is governed by a board of three County Commissioners. The board of Commissioners constitutes the legislative body of the County for ordinance purposes and serves as the executive branch for Elkhart County government.