Historic American Flags Display Marks U.S. 250th Anniversary on Isle of Palms Twenty-six American flags representing key moments in U.S. history will be displayed on Isle of Palms this summer as part of a traveling exhibit commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The installation, organized by the Isle of Palms Exchange Club and local VFW Post 3137, will make stops across the region, with its first appearance at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center on May 11, 2026. The display features a semi-circle of flags arranged around a large reproduction of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the evolution of the national symbol over the past 250 years. The exhibit begins with the Grand Union flag, also known as the Continental Colors, which featured red and white stripes with the Union Jack in the top left corner. This design was used during the American Revolution and was later replaced by the 13-star, 13-strip flag adopted in 1777. The current 50-star flag, which became official in 1960 after Hawaii joined the Union, is also part of the display. Other flags include the Star Spangled Banner pattern credited to Declaration signer Francis Hopkinson and the circular star configuration associated with Betsy Ross’s 1778 design. The flags will be on view at the Recreation Center through May 21, after which they will move to the United Methodist Church on 21st Avenue for Memorial Day weekend. Subsequent stops include Leola Hanbury Park in June and the nature garden at 7th Avenue and Palm Boulevard in July. The Public Safety Building on J.C. Long Boulevard will host the final location of the tour in July.#declaration_of_independence #island_of_palms #island_of_palms_exchange_club #vfw_post_3137 #sullivan_s_island_elementary
