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Big Betsy, a giant American flag, waves in the breeze after being unfurled with the help of members of the community and Follow the Flag on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at Grove Creek Canyon in Pleasant Grove.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

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Laura Giles

Courtesy Jeremy Hall

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A celebratory week is about to begin. Independence Day is coming up on July 4, and the week that it falls in has come to be known by many locals as “Flag Week.” This year marks the 10th year that a giant flag has flown majestically above Grove Creek Canyon in Pleasant Grove. This has become a tradition in Utah County and holds special meaning to many people.

Ten years ago, on the morning of July 4, a giant United States flag was unfurled above the canyon, surprising residents. That was just the beginning. The Follow the Flag nonprofit organization has planned and carried out the special event every Fourth of July since that first morning a decade ago.

The flag unfurling is experienced by many as they wake up early to watch the flag begin its flight. This year, the flag will unfurl at 7:15 a.m. The “By the Dawn’s Early Light” flag ceremony will begin at 7:30 a.m.

A newer flag has taken the place of the original Big Betsy, although Big Betsy still attends many events year-round. Lady Liberty, 150 feet by 78 feet, will fly above the Grove Creek Canyon Trailhead through July 14. Hundreds of people visit Lady Liberty, a symbol of freedom and hope, every year during Flag Week. Many of these visitors are veterans or family members of veterans. Others are coming to honor the flag that symbolizes the country they love.

On June 30, 500 North in Pleasant Grove will fill with people as they help to carry the giant flag from Pleasant Grove’s cemetery up to the Grove Creek Canyon Trailhead, about 1.3 miles. This will begin at 7 p.m. and anyone can participate in the special flag walk. Don’t want to walk? Spectators often line either side of 500 North to watch the patriotic procession. This, too, has become a yearly tradition.

“Why we fly? For the men and women who have given all. For the families who are without a parent. For all of us who love this country, Her flag and all she stands for – 248 miraculous years of this American dream,” it states in a Follow the Flag Facebook post.

Various activities will coincide with the flying of the flag throughout the week, including a 5K Run2Remember and live music on some nights below the flag.

Although the flag can be spotted from miles away, there is something very special about seeing it up close, standing below it and thinking about all that it represents. However, seeing it from afar is also a beautiful experience.

For more information, check out Follow the Flag’s Facebook page or go to FollowtheFlag.org.