During the Dawn’s Early Light ceremony on Independence Day, the organization Follow the Flag (FTF) surprised its team and the crowd by unfurling the Betsy Ross flag. To honor the nation's 250th anniversary, the group replaced the traditional United States flag with a version featuring 13 stars arranged in a circle to represent the original colonies of 1776.
Carrie Fox, wife of FTF founder Kyle Fox, stated that a small group of people knew about the plan and worked to keep it a surprise from the rest of the team. The group prepared as if they were using the standard flag, but swapped it out after most members had gone home.
The idea for the special unfurling was inspired by volunteer Steve Madsen, who saw a similar Betsy Ross flag at the 2025 Stadium of Fire event. FTF founder Kyle Fox noted that the experience met their expectations, capturing emotions ranging from smiles to tears through photography.
One participant, 20-year-old Ammon Paxton, who provided the voice-over for a Paul Revere character during the ceremony, described the emotional impact of the moment.
Volunteers Kathy and Colby Sweat contributed significantly to the event. Kathy Sweat, a professional seamstress known as Sweatsy Ross, used her skills to repair a flag damaged by a microburst. She also created special streamers featuring the names of deceased veterans and community members to fly alongside the flags. This year, Kathy's streamers included a tribute to her sister-in-law, who passed away from cancer earlier this year.
The large flag, named General Washington in honor of the nation's upcoming birthday, will be flown at the Grove Creek trailhead in Pleasant Grove through July 12.
In addition to its work in Lehi and Pleasant Grove, FTF flies flags in locations such as St. George, Ogden, and Twin Falls, Idaho, for occasions including 9/11 and Veterans Day.
