The Sun City model railroad was all aboard this year to celebrate the United States’ 250th year.
This year, the club hosted an open house. Organizers decorated the main building with patriotic displays and added decorations outside at the G-scale model train exhibit. The entrance was filled with patriotic decorations to welcome visitors. Outside, a 20-by-50-foot American flag hung from the building’s upper railing. The flag stood out not just for its size, but also for its historic design with 48 stars.
The unique artifact belongs to Sun City resident Maury Fisher, who shared the personal and historic story behind the banner.
“I have had the flag since I was 12 years old,” Fisher said. “My father bought it at an antique shop in Tennessee. Before I moved to Sun City, I was known for my 4th of July decorations in Highland Park. Among all the decorations was this 50-foot flag.”
The 48-star flag is an important part of American history as the second-longest-serving U.S. flag. In fact, it was the official flag for 47 years, from 1912 to 1959. The flag was officially retired on July 4, 1959, after Alaska became the 49th state. One year later, on July 4, 1960, the 50-star flag was adopted when Hawaii joined the Union. By law, new stars are added to the flag only on Independence Day after a new state is admitted. This change marked the end of an era. The 48-star flag stood for an America that had lived through world wars, making the Sun City display a meaningful link to history.
Fisher said, “Although the exact history of the flag is unknown, it was suggested it may have flown at several major Army sites in Tennessee between 1912 and 1959.”
Fort Oglethorpe was a key post during both World Wars. Fort Campbell, built in 1942, often flew large flags over its training grounds. The Johnson City Armory, another important site in East Tennessee, was also known for displaying historic flags.
