A majestic, 30-foot by 60-foot version of Old Glory soon will fly proudly atop a 120-foot flagpole at Pennsylvania College of Technology, the Lycoming County site chosen for the "Flags Across America" initiative sponsored by the National Flag Foundation.
In a news conference today at Penn College, Williamsport Mayor Steven W. Cappelli described plans to place the flag at the College's new main entrance on Maynard Street. He was accompanied by Penn College President Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour and Flags Across America Executive Director David L. White.
The goal of Flags Across America is to place similar flags in communities across the country as a means of educating young people about the U.S. flag. The initiative drew its inspiration from a flag that was raised in Johnstown in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Johnstown Flood.
The flags will be a constant reminder of American unity and the preservation of freedom, and the process will foster civic pride and community cohesiveness, organizers say. Each site is developed, designed and maintained by individuals and organizations in the host community, working through the local NFF chapter.
The project has been endorsed by Gov. Tom Ridge, U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, former President Carter and many others.
Headquartered in Flag Plaza in Pittsburgh, the NFF is a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting respect for our nation's flag. Its mission is to promote love of, and pride in, America among citizens particularly young people and to answer questions from around the world about flag display, procedures and history.
At today's press conference, the mayor announced the appointment of the following local representatives to act as officers and directors in the campaign to erect the flag: Anthony DiSalvo, president; Patti R. Levering, secretary; Frank Concino, treasurer; James Casale, director; and Dr. William J. Martin, director.
The committee is seeking volunteers to participate in the fund-raising campaign. The cost of purchasing and erecting the flag is projected at approximately $65,000.
More information about Flags Across America and other National Flag Foundation initiatives can be obtained at the Web site.