The inspiring 30-by-60-foot American flag at Pennsylvania College of Technology is flying once again after repairs were made to the cable-pulley system that hoists it atop a 120-foot flagpole.
With the help of a tall crane provided by Allison Crane and Rigging, college General Services personnel repaired the broken cable system Wednesday and then raised the National Flag Foundation-sponsored flag, which has been grounded since the damage was discovered Monday.
Penn College is responsible for maintaining and lighting the flag, which flies over the Maynard Street main entrance to the institution adjacent to the Student and Administrative Services Center and the recently opened Roger and Peggy Madigan Library.
The flag which was dedicated on Nov. 1, 2000, as part of the Pittsburgh-based National Flag Foundation's "Flags Across America" initiative can be seen from great distances in the Williamsport area and has been a focal point for various patriotic events in the community.
"We are delighted to announce that the pulley system has been repaired, and the large American flag that has become a part of the fabric of our community is back where it belongs," said William J. Martin, senior vice president for Penn College and vice chairman of the National Flag Foundation?s local chapter.
The local chapter continues to raise funds to provide for the flag's perpetual care. Individual flags cost in excess of $2,000, and multiple flags are needed so that one will always be flying when others are being repaired for wind or other weather-related damage.
The individual flags typically fly for about six weeks before repairs are needed, and they generally last through three repair cycles.
Because of the flag's large size, a team of Penn College workers must raise and lower it from the pole. College workers also maintain the landscaping and walkway at the flagpole site, as well as the lighting equipment that illuminates the flag at night.