DAR to Install 12-Foot Flags Around Oxford Courthouse Square for America250

The David Reese Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is moving forward with “Lafayette Liberty Square,” a plan to place 12-foot American flags and poles around the Lafayette County Courthouse Square in Oxford as part of the national America250 semiquincentennial. Organizers say the project will require at least 65 flag kits and will be formally dedicated on July 4.

The proposal was presented to and approved by the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors after early meetings between DAR representatives and county officials. Lafayette County has agreed to provide in-kind assistance, including “placing the flags and handling their storage and removal for national and patriotic holidays throughout the year,” county leaders told DAR organizers during approval discussions.

Physically, the 12-foot flags and poles will be mounted to the existing iron fence that surrounds the courthouse property; organizers note bracing will be needed to secure the kits to the fence. Sally Malone, speaking for the David Reese Chapter, is leading local coordination and fundraising on behalf of the chapter as the Lafayette Liberty Square project moves toward installation.

Funding for Lafayette Liberty Square will come from sponsorship sales to individuals and businesses. DAR volunteers estimate each flag kit will cost between $80 and $100 installed and that at least 65 kits will be needed to ring the Square. Sponsorship tiers are set at Silver $100, Gold $175, and Platinum $250. Businesses that contribute during in-person visits will receive a 4-foot by 10-foot award window cling to display as recognition for their donation.

Organizers provided donation instructions for residents and businesses: make checks payable to David Reese Chapter, NSDAR, and mail them to P.O. Box 1960, Oxford, MS 38655. DAR members and volunteers will use sponsorship proceeds to purchase flag kits, replacement flags, and the bracing required to mount the flags to the courthouse iron fence.

Malone framed the project as both commemorative and restorative, noting the local context for the display. “Since its inception, DAR has been involved in planning the celebration of America 250,” Malone said. She added a local rationale: “In light of the recent tragic destruction of so many mature trees downtown and near the Square, we hope this inspiring display can be a focus of renewal and beauty,” Malone said.

Organizers expect county staff and DAR volunteers to coordinate installation logistics once fundraising reaches the threshold for purchasing kits. The July 4 dedication will recognize sponsors and formally mark Lafayette Liberty Square’s launch around the Lafayette County Courthouse Square.