Lafayette Lodge Continues Century-Old Tradition of Patriotic Flag Displays in Downtown Manhattan

MANHATTAN, Kan. – As dawn breaks over downtown Manhattan, volunteers from Lafayette Lodge #16 can be found carefully positioning American flags along the historic streetscape, continuing a tradition that has become synonymous with patriotic celebrations in the Little Apple.

The Masonic lodge, located at 322 Houston Street, has taken on the responsibility of organizing community flag displays that transform downtown Manhattan into a sea of red, white and blue during significant holidays and community events. Their recent Labor Day installation drew praise from residents and visitors alike, with dozens of flags lining Poyntz Avenue and surrounding the Riley County Courthouse Plaza.

"Our crew made quick work putting up US flags this morning in Downtown Manhattan, KS," the lodge posted on their Facebook page, showcasing the fruits of their early morning labor. "Alternating US and Powercat flags for Labor Day, Monday, 1 September. Have a great week and enjoy the holiday weekend, stay safe!"

A Living Symbol of Community Pride

The practice of displaying American flags throughout downtown Manhattan reflects a deeper tradition that has evolved alongside the city itself. According to local historical accounts, flag displays have been a common feature of Manhattan's patriotic celebrations since the early 20th century, particularly during wartime when the community sought visible ways to demonstrate unity and support for service members.

The current systematic approach to flag installation centers around several key locations that have become focal points for community gatherings. Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan's main thoroughfare, serves as the primary display corridor during special events like parades, where vehicles and businesses join in flying American flags. The practice is most prominent during patriotic holidays and community celebrations, creating a unified visual statement that connects the historic downtown area.

The Riley County Courthouse Plaza stands as another significant location for flag displays. The government buildings in the downtown area, including the courthouse on Courthouse Plaza, regularly feature the American flag as part of their official presence. During community events, this area becomes a gathering point where the formal government displays merge with the volunteer efforts of organizations like Lafayette Lodge.

More Than Decoration: Community Connection

What sets Manhattan's flag tradition apart is the community participation it generates. Local parade floats and participants often incorporate American flags as they move through the downtown area, while businesses along the route contribute their own displays. This creates a comprehensive patriotic atmosphere that extends beyond simple decoration to become a shared expression of civic pride.

The tradition has adapted to modern times while maintaining its core purpose. Organizations like Lafayette Lodge coordinate with city officials and other community groups to ensure proper flag etiquette is observed and that displays are strategically placed for maximum visual impact and safety.

City events and holidays see the most extensive flag displays, with the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day drawing particularly robust participation from both volunteers and businesses. The practice has become so ingrained in Manhattan's identity that residents and visitors have come to expect the patriotic displays as part of the city's character.

Preserving Tradition Through Volunteer Dedication

Lafayette Lodge #16's commitment to maintaining this tradition represents the kind of volunteer spirit that keeps small-city traditions alive. The organization, which has served the Manhattan community for decades, views the flag displays as both a patriotic duty and a way to strengthen community bonds.

The lodge's Facebook page, which boasts over 1,000 followers, regularly documents their flag installation efforts, sharing photos of volunteers at work and the completed displays. These posts generate significant community engagement, with residents expressing appreciation for the organization's dedication to maintaining Manhattan's patriotic traditions.

The practice requires coordination, physical effort, and attention to detail. Volunteers must arrive early to position flags before community events begin, ensure proper spacing and alignment, and later return to safely remove and store the flags. This behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed by the general public, but it's essential to maintaining the tradition's continuity.

A Symbol of Enduring Values

As Manhattan continues to grow and evolve, the downtown flag displays serve as a connection to enduring American values and community spirit. They represent more than patriotic decoration – they embody a community's commitment to honoring shared principles and creating spaces where civic pride can be visibly expressed.

The tradition also reflects Manhattan's identity as a community that values both its historical roots and its ongoing civic engagement. In an era when many community traditions struggle to find volunteers and support, the continued success of the flag display program demonstrates the strength of Manhattan's community bonds.

Lafayette Lodge #16's ongoing commitment to this tradition ensures that future generations of Manhattan residents and visitors will continue to experience the visual impact of a downtown united in patriotic display. Their work preserves not just a practice, but a piece of Manhattan's civic soul that connects past, present, and future in the simple but powerful symbol of the American flag.

For Lafayette Lodge #16, the early morning work of installing flags represents more than community service – it's a way of honoring both country and community, ensuring that Manhattan's downtown continues to serve as a focal point for shared American values and local pride.