Duval Courthouse Retires 14-Year-Old Flag in Historic Ceremony
A piece of history was carefully lowered from the Duval County Courthouse this week, marking the end of an era for a flag that has flown proudly for nearly 14 years. On February 4, city workers took down the massive 60-foot-wide American flag that has hung above the courthouse entrance since shortly after the building opened in 2012. This wasn’t just a routine replacement. The ceremony was filled with solemnity, attended by judges, court staff and clients from the Veterans Treatment Court, a program that helps military veterans navigate rehabilitation instead of incarceration.
The flag’s retirement is more than symbolic. It represents the dedication of countless veterans, the rule of law and the enduring values of service and freedom. Retired Marine Corps officer Judge Mose Floyd, who has presided over the Veterans Treatment Court for nearly nine years, spoke about the deep respect veterans hold for the flag, noting it embodies the oath they took to protect the nation. Veterans participating in the court carefully folded the flag following proper protocol, ensuring it was handled with honor.
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Retired Army Colonel David Abramowitz, a senior mentor with the program, highlighted the flag’s significance. Through sun, wind and storm, he said, it stood as a constant reminder of justice and sacrifice. Its removal isn’t a farewell, he emphasized, but a gesture of appreciation for what it has represented to the courthouse and the community over more than a decade.
While initial plans called for the flag to be ceremonially burned on Flag Day by American Legion Post 197, 4th Circuit Chief Judge Lance Day suggested a different approach. Recognizing its historical value as the first flag to adorn the courthouse, he proposed preserving it for permanent display inside the building. Possible locations include the rotunda or the jury assembly room, offering visitors and courthouse guests a chance to witness a piece of living history. There’s even discussion of having veterans participating in the court contribute to a display case, giving back to the community while honoring the flag’s legacy.
A brand-new 60-foot flag will replace the old one in time for Presidents Day on February 16. Judge Day remarked that, while Duval County may be smaller compared to other markets, it is certainly making a statement with the size and prominence of this symbol. The ceremony serves as a reminder that national symbols carry weight and preserving them helps maintain a tangible link to our history, values and civic pride.
Stay with us as we continue to follow developments in Duval County and beyond, bringing updates on ceremonies, civic projects and stories that connect communities to the history they live in every day.
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