Franklin County raises flag for Illinois Bicentennial

Members of the American Legion Post 280 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2671, both of Benton, perform the flag-raising ceremony at the Franklin County Bicentennial Ceremony on Monday. The group raised the American flag, followed by the Illinois State flag and the new bicentennial flag.
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Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance during Franklin County's bicentennial ceremony on Monday. A crowd of about 50 gathered on the Benton Square for the event.
Holly Kee/Benton News

Members of Benton's American Legion Post 280 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2671 stand at attention following the flag-raising ceremony.
Holly Kee/Benton News

Franklin County Board Chairman Randall Crocker (right) listens as local historian Robert Rea gives a short history lesson on Illinois during the Franklin County bicenntennial ceremony on Monday.
Holly Kee/Benton News