Great Falls Realtors Flag Project, Inc.
Dreams
are only dreams...
until someone makes them come true.
The "Make America Better" Committee of the Great Falls Association of REALTORS® had a dream of rekindling the spirit of patriotism in the people; to make them proud of their country and of themselves. That dream took the shape of a 1500 sq. ft. American Flag; a symbol of what we are and a symbol of what we hope to be.
On July 4, 1984, as we commemorated the 100th Anniversary of our great city, our dream came true. After nearly two years and countless volunteer hours by the Great Falls Board of REALTORS®, over $25,000 in cash plus twice that much in donated labor and materials, was raised from every segment of the community. From the citizens and from the Montana Air National Guard, support was overwhelming! It became not only the committee's dream but the community's dream.
Early on that Independence Day morning, thousands of citizens joined together to witness a most memorable event. Situated on the top on a knoll overlooking the beautiful Missouri River in the heart of our city, the specially engineered 120' flagstaff, tall as a 10 story building, stood ready. The President of the Great Falls Association of REALTORS® introduced many honored guests from near and far who joined in the celebration - from the officers of the Montana Association of REALTORS®, the mayor of our city, the lieutenant governor of Montana, our congressional delegation, Montana legislators, representatives of al the armed services and civic groups - to Uncle Sam himself. All reminded us of our unending pride in this great land and of our privilege in honoring this beautiful symbol of our heritage.
As the giant flag unrolled, with forty-two attendants at its sides, a hush fell over the crowd. The moment we all had awaited was here. Through many tears of pride and love, this incredible dream was unfurled. Old Glory was raised! Through the sounds of our National Anthem was heard the thunder of the magnificent F-106s of the Montana Air National Guard. In an electrifying moment, they roared overhead followed by a one hundred gun salute from the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
Charles Sumner, who served in the United States Senate one hundred years ago, said: "There is the National Flag. He must be cold indeed to look upon its folds rippling in the breeze without pride of country. White is for purity, red for valor, blue for justice. And all together - bunting, stripes, stars and colors blazing in the sky - make the flag of our country, cherished by all our hearts and upheld by all our aims."
Finally, Uncle Sam, who so proudly upheld our great dream, proclaimed: "What this nation needs is people all across the country who are willing to fly our flag for America. People who stand up for what they believe, no matter what the consequences." John F. Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Great Falls has met that challenge. With only private donations and volunteer labor we have proved that he United States of America is truly a land of freedom. A land where, against all obstacles, we can triumph if we persevere and join together."
In keeping with our promise to the city commissioners and the citizens of Great Falls that their flag would never require tax support, the Great Falls Association of REALTORS® has agreed to make this an ongoing Make America Better Committee project. It is anticipate that every year on the 14th of June, Flag Day, we will hold a street toll to raise funds for replacement of the $1,800 flags and for other maintenance as necessary.
God Bless America!
"Lift your eyes - Behold your flag - My creators gave me incomparable beauty and majesty to proudly represent the greatest nation on this earth - Those who seek haven from tyranny will find relief in my shadow - For I wave only in the land of the free with liberty and justice for all".
I was dedicated on July 4, 1984, by the good people of Great Falls to honor the centennial year of this city's founding on July 10, 1884, and to help rekindle a faltering patriotic spirit within the American people.
- E. W. Ingold
- The Flag is 1500 square feet - 30ft x 50ft
- The Flag Pole stands 120 feet tall - equivalent to a 10 story building.
- The price to purchase a new flag is over $1800 each
- The lights at the base of the Flag are the same lights that illuminated
the Anaconda Mining Co. smokestack from the early twenties until its
demise in 1982.
The Great Falls Realtors Flag Project, Inc. is a recognized Non-Profit organization. All contributions go directly to the replacement, repair & maintenance of the Flag. Administrative costs are paid by the Great Falls Realtors Flag Project, Inc.. If you have questions, contact us at:
Contributions can be made to:
Great Falls Realtors Flag Project, Inc.
1016 9th Street South
Great Falls, MT 59405
TOTALLY SUPPORTED BY PRIVATE DONATIONS!
