Have you ever wondered who lowers the city flags to half-staff to honor the death of a dignitary or a national holiday? Since 2005 that task has been undertaken by the Reserve Unit Color Guard, a group of volunteers who are committed to ensuring that the flag lowering and raising ceremonies are conducted with dignity and professionalism.

The Color Guard ensures that all city flags are raised, lowered and displayed in accordance with proper flag etiquette and protocols at ten municipal locations: City Center, the four Fire Stations, the Community Center, Senior Center, Public Works, Water Treatment Plant and Veteran’s Memorial. Because most details require that flags be lowered prior to sunrise, the Reserves are usually outside, in their uniforms, in the dark of early morning and then again at sunset, raising and lowering the flags.

While some events are known ahead of time like Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day and Pearl Harbor Day, others arise relatively last minute, such as the death of a US soldier or dignitary. In 2019 the Color Guard volunteered 91 hours executing 18 proclamations. Since November 2005, the Reserves have spent more than 2,200 hours performing 272 Color Guard ceremonies. 

We are proud of our Reserve Unit Color Guard and the important role they play in helping the community recognize those who have died while serving our country.