Giant flag to fly again in Pleasant Grove
An American flag is displayed along Grove Creek Trailhead in Pleasant Grove.
An American flag is displayed along Grove Creek Trailhead in Pleasant Grove through July 7, 2015.
The 60-foot flag is prepared before being taken up Grove Creek and displayed on July 4, 2015.
A giant flag will be unfurled at 5 a.m. Friday morning in Pleasant Grove in honor of Sept. 11 and the lives that were lost on that date in 2001 from terrorist attacks in the United States.
The 30-by-60-foot flag will fly high above Grove Creek Canyon for just 24 hours.
Hundreds of people flocked to Pleasant Grove in July to see the massive flag flying over the canyon, which was hung in honor of Independence Day. As it flies again this weekend, organizers want people to remember those who have died and those who still work to keep citizens safe.
“The Follow the Flag team wanted to bring the flag event back specifically for September 11 to honor those who lost their lives that day, our first responders across the nation and the men and women who protect and serve our community and country both at home and overseas,” said Cyd LeMone, a Pleasant Grove city council member and supporter.
Organizer Roland Nix said his two sons, local Boy Scout Troop 1166 and himself were going to be the ones to hang the flag. But, after others read about it on social media, he has had many offers from residents who want help. The logistics of hanging the flag can be very complicated, Nix said, and could involve a drone, a fishing pole and climbing through a river and over trees.
“It takes 10 or more people to set line, raise the flag and pack the flag,” said organizer Kyle Fox. “We also spend the entire time up there on the mountain with the flag. We light it during the night, and at midnight we turn down the light and sleep in the parking lot.”
Seeing the flag in July was emotional for many people, Nix said.
“It’s something you have to experience,” he said. “I loved to see the youth walk the trail and hear their inspiring stories after seeing the flag.”
Many visitors told stories about why the flag means so much to them. One woman came and watched the flag rolling in the breeze for some time.
“I buried a son under that flag,” she told Nix.
The community is invited to visit the trailhead day or night during the 24 hours the flag will be flying.
“I really want to encourage people to come with their families at night and walk the trail,” said Nix, adding that the flag will be illuminated by a 7,000-watt light.
The Follow the Flag team plans to fly the flag more in the future.
“Many locals love and support this flag idea,” Fox said.
On Friday evening, Scouts from Troop 1166 will be selling candles in the parking lot of the Grove Creek trailhead. The money earned will help to bring the flag back in the future.
“People really want to support the cause,” Nix said. “Many have asked how they can help.”
