Missouri State Fair Seeks Nominations for Daily Flag Retreat Ceremonies

The fair will honor 11 veterans and active military members each day during the 2026 event.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:20pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus scene of a flag being lowered during a military ceremony, with soft, warm light and blurred silhouettes, conceptually representing the reverence and emotion of the event.The Missouri State Fair's annual flag retreat ceremonies honor the service and sacrifice of the state's veterans and active military members.Marshall Today

The Missouri State Fair is accepting nominations for veterans and active military members to be recognized during daily flag retreat ceremonies at the 2026 fair. The fair will select 11 Missourians to be honored each day of the event, which will fit the theme of 'Show Me Stars and Stripes'.

Why it matters

The flag retreat ceremonies at the Missouri State Fair are a way for the event to show appreciation for the state's military service members and veterans. Highlighting their service is an important part of the fair's programming and community engagement.

The details

Nominations can be submitted through a form on the Missouri State Fair's website, with the deadline being Memorial Day. Those making a nomination will also need to provide two photos of the honoree. The flag retreat ceremonies have been a part of the fair since 2019.

  • The 2026 Missouri State Fair will take place in August.
  • Nominations are open now and will close on Memorial Day.

The players

Kari Mergen

The marketing director for the Missouri State Fair.

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What they’re saying

“The flag retreat ceremonies began in 2019, and this year's ceremonies will fit with the theme selected for the fair, 'Show Me Stars and Stripes'.”

— Kari Mergen, Missouri State Fair Marketing Director

What’s next

The Missouri State Fair will select the 11 veterans and active military members to be honored during the daily flag retreat ceremonies after the nomination period closes on Memorial Day.

The takeaway

The Missouri State Fair's flag retreat ceremonies are an important way for the event to recognize and show appreciation for the state's military service members and veterans, highlighting their service as part of the fair's programming.