Neligh celebrates Flag Day with over 200 flags throughout town

NELIGH, Neb. -- The town of Neligh celebrated National Flag Day on Wednesday, and showed patriotism by showering the town with flags of red, white and blue. 

On June 1, 2015, Neligh was declared the flag capitol of the state after the former economic director of Neligh teamed up with the famous local flag company, Blackburn Manufacturing Co., to make it happen. 

Blackburn Manufacturing Co. Marketing Director Krista Schindler says that since the declaration, the flag company has sponsored a Flag Day scholarship, geared towards helping students pay for a 2-year college. 

Since 2015, they have given away between $5,- to $6,000 in scholarship money. 

"You know keep the idea of patriotism in these young kids' mind," said Schindler. "And show them that you can be rewarded by the money that you'd get to pay for school." 

The company provides flags for the town free of charge to decorate everywhere going along Highway 275 to the courthouse, counting on volunteers like the Young Men's Club to help set them up. 

With the help of volunteers, over 200 American flags have been set up across town. 

"Mainly patriotism and to show a lot of guys fought for that flag and we like to shine it loud and proud," said Adam Mortensen, member of the Young Men's Club. 

Schindler said it makes the company proud to show their love for their country and town through this patriotic day. 

"The employees that we have here are amazing. They are all patriots themselves," said Schindler.  "So, we definitely enjoy that aspect of it; of having the local people work here and show their patriotism, however they can."  

Blackburn Manufacturing Co. hopes to continue the legacy of Flag Day in future years, as well as inspire more young people to show patriotism.