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Neligh, Nebraska: How a Small Town Became the Flag Capital of Nebraska
TLDR: Neligh, Nebraska earned the official title "Flag Capital of Nebraska" in 2015, and Blackburn Manufacturing has played a key role in that identity ever since. Every June 14th, the town lines Highway 275 with American flags, and Blackburn awards a scholarship to local graduates who reflect on what the flag means to them.
Key Takeaways:
Neligh became Nebraska's official "Flag Capital" in 2015, a title closely tied to Blackburn Manufacturing's role in the community.
Every June 14th, volunteers and Blackburn staff line Highway 275 with American flags, turning the town into a visual tribute to the Stars and Stripes.
Blackburn Manufacturing has awarded more than $5,000 in Flag Day Scholarships to local graduates since 2015.
Blackburn crafts high-quality marking flags in Neligh year-round, extending the town's patriotic identity well beyond a single holiday.
Neligh, Nebraska holds a title few towns can claim: the official Flag Capital of Nebraska. The town earned the designation in 2015, and Blackburn Manufacturing, headquartered in Neligh, has helped shape that identity ever since.
Each year on June 14th, Flag Day, the town puts that title on full display. Volunteers and Blackburn staff line Highway 275, the road that cuts through the heart of Neligh, with American flags.
The result turns a routine drive through town into a visual tribute to the Stars and Stripes, first adopted as the nation's flag in 1777.
How Neligh Earned the Title
Neligh's path to becoming Nebraska's Flag Capital started with the community's consistent, visible commitment to displaying the American flag. Local officials made the designation official in 2015, cementing a tradition Blackburn and the town had already built together.
Blackburn Manufacturing manufactures marking flags rather than traditional 3x5 American flags. Even so, the company takes pride in supplying the American High Gloss Poly Flags that decorate Neligh's streets every Flag Day.
That local involvement helped turn a company tradition into a statewide title.
A Tradition Rooted in Community
For Blackburn, Flag Day goes beyond a single holiday on the calendar. Putting up American flags across Neligh honors the country's history and recognizes the sacrifices made by those who served under the Stars and Stripes.
The tradition also reflects something bigger: a Nebraska company investing in the town it calls home.
Investing in the Next Generation: The Flag Day Scholarship
Blackburn's commitment to Neligh's Flag Capital status extends past flags in the ground. Since 2015, the company has awarded the Flag Day Scholarship to deserving local high school graduates.
Students apply by writing essays that explore what the American flag means to them, touching on themes like patriotism, national identity, and the values the flag represents.
Blackburn has awarded more than $5,000 in scholarships to date, investing directly in the next generation of Neligh's leaders.
Nebraska Values, Made in Neligh
Nebraska carries a strong reputation for patriotism, and Blackburn Manufacturing, a company born and built in the state, reflects that spirit daily. The company believes in the values the flag represents: freedom, justice, and unity.
Blackburn's core business centers on crafting USA-made marking flags for businesses, events, and organizations. Even so, the company stays dedicated to Neligh's identity as Nebraska's Flag Capital and to honoring those who fought for the flag.
Marking Flags Made for Every Occasion
Flag Day may fall on a single day each year, but Neligh's flag-flying spirit runs year-round, and so does Blackburn's product line. Blackburn Manufacturing offers a wide range of marking flags for storefront displays, sporting events, and beyond.
Need to mark a construction zone? Blackburn's high-visibility safety flags come in fluorescent colors built for the job. Planning a yard sale? Bright, colorful sale flags help draw attention fast. Commemorating a special event? Custom flag printing lets you create a personalized flag built for the occasion.
Browse Blackburn's full selection online, or contact the team directly to discuss custom flag options for your next project.
FAQs
Why is Neligh, Nebraska called the Flag Capital of Nebraska?
Neligh earned the official designation in 2015, largely due to the community's tradition of displaying American flags along Highway 275 each Flag Day, supported by Blackburn Manufacturing's local involvement.
What is the Blackburn Flag Day Scholarship?
It's a scholarship program Blackburn Manufacturing has run since 2015, awarding funds to local high school graduates who write essays reflecting on what the American flag means to them.
Does Blackburn Manufacturing make traditional American flags?
Blackburn specializes in marking flags, including American High Gloss Poly Flags, rather than traditional 3x5 American flags, though the company plays an active role in Neligh's Flag Day celebrations.
Where can I buy marking flags from Blackburn Manufacturing?
You can browse Blackburn's full selection of marking flags, including safety flags, sale flags, and custom-printed options, online or by contacting the team directly.
