For 364 days a year, the Little Red Flag’s location is shrouded in secrecy. “I’m not at liberty to reveal that information,” says Bob Glatz, The Broadbent Family Executive Director of the Harvard Varsity Club in Honor of William S. Broadbent, Jr. '06. While the physical dwelling is top secret, we do know that the flag hibernates inside a steel tube and only emerges one day a year.
In recent years, the Little Red Flag, attached to a shillelagh, has started to make appearances hours prior to kickoff of every Harvard-Yale game, home and away. The flag goes on tour, circulating tailgates as a Harvard celebrity, with Markus sharing its history with fans on both sides of this storied rivalry. “The Little Red Flag is a welcome addition at any tailgate – people go crazy for it,” says Glatz. Photos are taken. Stories are told. Bill Markus worries “I get nervous someone is going to try and grab it if I put it down or look away.” “Every year I consider hiring additional security” Glatz says, half-jokingly.