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A contingency of military veterans saluted and onlookers stood with their hands over their hearts as a replica of the 1818 U.S. flag was raised at noon in front of the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point and 19 other locations in the county.

“This was the first U.S. flag to have Indiana’s star in its field so we raised it today to honor the legacy of Indiana,” Larry Blanchard, consultant for the Board of Commissioners, said. The 1818 U.S. flag with 20 stars symbolizing the Union’s 20 states replaced the 50-star standard U.S. flag in front of the Government Center.

The ceremony was part of the state’s bicentennial celebration. To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Indiana’s statehood, Lake County and its 19 cities and towns, simultaneously hoisted the 1818 United States Flag at noon Friday.

Friday was also the 200th anniversary of the first free elections statewide for Indiana’s first governor and county officials under the first State Constitution, which was required before becoming an official state.

Commissioner Gerry Scheub, right, explains the significance of the 20-star American flag that will fly over the Lake County Government Center until Dec. 11.
Commissioner Gerry Scheub, right, explains the significance of the 20-star American flag that will fly over the Lake County Government Center until Dec. 11.

The flag will be flown until Dec. 11, the day President James Madison signed the law officially admitting Indiana to the U.S. as the 19th state. The flag will then be permanently framed and enshrined in an exhibit at the Lake County Government Center.

“I think it’s something that a lot of people don’t know about,” Lake County Commissioner Gerry Scheub, D-2nd, said. “If you said we were the 19th state people would be shocked. It’s a great part of history and I think it’s a great thing we’re doing.”

Scheub reflected on the tumultuous journey early pioneers endured to certify Indiana’s statehood.

“You’ve got to give our pioneers a lot of credit,” he said. “What they went through allowed us to what we have today. I don’t know if we could’ve handled what they handled.”

Cole Delvert, left, unfolds the 20-star American flag with the assistance of Phil Aldrich of American Legion Post 485 Schererville.
Cole Delvert, left, unfolds the 20-star American flag with the assistance of Phil Aldrich of American Legion Post 485 Schererville.

Blanchard said the hoisting of the flag signifies not only a celebration but also unity among the cities and towns in Northwest Indiana.

“Today we all honor the bicentennial legacy of Indiana,” he said. “You can go anywhere in Lake County and see the first flag with Indiana’s star on it.”

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