Franklin County Auditor

>>Operation Flag

The Operation Flag Committee was founded in 1988 by then-Franklin County Recorder Joe Testa.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Joe believed that no veteran's gravesite should be forgotten on Memorial Day.

Initially, Operation Flag worked to provide flags to veterans' groups to ensure that every known veteran received a flag on Memorial Day. As the flags were being placed on the gravesites, another problem was realized - the physical condition of many of the cemeteries.

Through the years, Joe and the Operation Flag Committee have worked to restore and replace headstones at many of the smaller, out-of-the-way cemeteries that have fallen into disrepair throughout Franklin County. Operation Flag projects include veteran headstone replacement, general clean-up, fence and headstone repair.

The Operation Flag Advisory Committee is comprised of members of local veterans' organizations.

Restoration Projects

School & Community Service

Projects In Progress

Flag Etiquette

Franklin County Cemeteries
Greenlawn Cemetery
Veterans Graves Registration
Works Progress Administration

Operation Flag Ceremony

Operation Flag exists to preserve the memories of the veterans who served our country in uniform. Each year, the Operation Flag Committee, with the assistance of local veterans' organizations, Scout troops and other volunteers, selects a cemetery in need of attention. At the conclusion of each restoration project, a re-dedication ceremony is held on Memorial Day. Descendants of the veterans are invited to place a wreath or a flag as a tribute to their ancestor. The ceremonies are an opportunity for the community to gather to remember and honor those who served as well as those who supported them at home.

Since the inception of Operation Flag, the focus has somewhat shifted directions. More of an effort is concentrated on restoring the older, neglected cemeteries. At present, we know of 123 cemeteries containing more than 48,000 veterans. Since 1988 Operation Flag has completed work in more than a dozen local cemeteries.

Shelley May
Project Coordinator
373 S High St., 21st Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Telephone (614) 462-6272
TDD Number (614) 462-7593
Email: semay@franklincountyohio.gov