Wooster Emblem Club marks 50 years of courthouse flag donations

Annual tradition continues ahead of Memorial Day

Group of people holding a flag in a meeting room.

Wooster Emblem Club Americanism co-chair Ardenna Hurt, left, Commissioner Dave McMillen, Commissioner Jonathan Hofstetter, Emblem Club member Vera Rouhier, Emblem Club President Paulette Douglas and Commissioner Matt Martin pose together after the presentation of a new American flag — marking the 50th annual donation — to the commissioners ahead of Memorial Day to fly atop the Wayne County Courthouse.

Dan Starcher

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Published April 13, 2026 - 10:15 a.m.

The Wooster Emblem Club is celebrating the 50th year of donating a large American flag to fly above the Wayne County Courthouse, a gesture that began in 1976 and has continued annually ever since.

The flag is ready to be raised in time for Memorial Day observances. However, county officials said the courthouse pulley system used to hoist the flag was damaged in a recent storm, temporarily preventing the flag from being flown.

“On behalf of Wayne County, thank you,” Commissioner Matt Martin said during a presentation held during a regular session. “As soon as (the pulleys) are fixed, this flag will be going up.”

Each year, the club presents the new flag to county officials ahead of Memorial Day, ensuring that a fresh symbol of national pride is displayed prominently above the courthouse.

“On behalf of Wooster Emblem Club, we present this new 15-by-25-foot flag, the 50th that we have done since we started in 1976,” said Americanism co-chair Ardenna Hurt.

The milestone year is especially meaningful for one longtime member of the donating group, Vera Rouhier, who will turn 101 later this year and serves as a living link to the club’s enduring commitment to community service and patriotism.

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.