Butler High School is getting a patriotic boost this year. A fairly large boost at that.

The high school will unfurl its nearly 50-pound American flag for the first time in public at the first home football game on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. when the Bulldogs face North Warren. Between 30 and 50 people will handle the flag, which is 30 feet by 60 feet.

About a dozen volunteers, including members of the American Legion John A. Dean 154 and George P. Siek VFW 8096 posts, teachers and administrators of Butler High School, gathered at the high school gym Wednesday to unfurl the flag for the first time. Adam Charman, commander of the local American Legion post, taught the volunteers how to handle the large flag, including folding and unfolding it. Once unfurled, the flag took up a good portion of the gym.

Charman said he is "still learning" all the rules regarding handling a flag of that size, as he and many of his members have not experienced such a large flag before. He noted Wednesday that the flag is never to touch the floor out of respect for it.

Principal Martin Wall said the flag will be used at every home football game and during community events. He hopes to start a new club at the high school where students will learn more about the flag and how to handle it.