The Flag

"The Flag" by Homer Greene is a story set in a small village where youthful rivalries spark intense conflicts. The tale paints a portrait of Penfield Butler, a young boy navigating the spirited clashes between the Hilltops and Riverbeds, two groups of local youths. Initially, Pen is deeply involved in his school's mission to acquire an American flag, all set against a snowy winter backdrop. The story focuses on Pen's interactions with his family, including his Aunt Millicent and grandfather, Colonel Butler. The plot thickens when an accident occurs in the snow which sets the stage for a series of challenges and head-to-head battles between the boyhood factions, with the school's flag as the grand prize.