County sheriff’s office honors America’s 250th anniversary with flag ceremony

Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera participates in the special flag ceremony held in January. (Photo courtesy Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office)

As part of a nationwide and global observance, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office welcomed a special flag Jan. 7 during its stop in Utah as part of Flag Sojourn 250—a historic journey designed to unite Americans while honoring the nation’s past, present and future. 

The Flag Sojourn 250 initiative, commemorating the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary, is carrying this American flag to every U.S. state and territory, as well as all 26 overseas U.S. military cemeteries. The journey is meant to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed for the nation while celebrating the principles of liberty, resilience and unity that define America. 

“This shared journey honors our history, remembers our heroes, and looks ahead with hope,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. “The Stars and Stripes represent far more than a symbol—they embody the sacrifices made in defense of freedom and the ideals that bind us together as one nation.” 

The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office held a special flag ceremony in January to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the country. (Photos courtesy Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office)

The ceremony featured the presentation and raising of the flag by the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, followed by a moment of silence and ceremonial music. Attendees also joined together in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The event concluded with the Honor Guard lowering and refolding the flag, marking the end of a meaningful stop on its journey. The flag next traveled to Colorado.

Flag Sojourn 250 is a national unity initiative led by the National Flag Foundation (NFF) in partnership with America250’s America Waves program, an epic tribute campaign honoring the American flag.