A lasting symbol of freedom, democracy and unity will stand tall in Cape Coral, thanks to community support of the Raise the Flag fundraising campaign.<\/p>\n
The public is invited to attend a ceremony that will officially Raise the Flag, atop a state-record 250-foot flagpole, on America\u2019s 250th\u00a0birthday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Bernice Braden Park, 2051 Cape Coral Parkway. There are no reservations required to attend the flag being raised for the first time in a celebration of the public support received.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I understood I had the privilege to be the city manager as America celebrates 250 years, I thought, \u2018We need to celebrate big.\u2019 I remembered seeing a colossal flag while serving in the U.S. Navy that really stuck with me. That experience made me want to do something special here in Cape Coral. This isn\u2019t just about a flagpole \u2014 it\u2019s about showing how much we care about our country, our freedoms, and each other. It\u2019s up to all of us to unify and get it done for our country and Southwest Florida,\u201d City Manager Michael Ilczyczyn said.<\/p>\n
City spokesperson Kaityln Mullen said the \u201cRaise the Flag\u201d project stemmed from Ilczyczyn\u2019s idea to create a major patriotic landmark to commemorate America\u2019s 250th\u00a0birthday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis community-funded initiative will build the tallest freestanding American flagpole in Florida at Bernice Braden Park. Standing 250 feet tall, the flag will serve as a powerful symbol of freedom, democracy, and unity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Construction for the new flagpole at Bernice Braden Park began June 1 and the construction is anticipated to be completed by Friday, July 3.<\/p>\n
The tallest freestanding American flagpole in Florida not only celebrates America\u2019s 250th\u00a0birthday, but will serve as a \u201cpoint of civic pride and a tribute to the values represented by the American flag.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cape Coral City Council approved the project with the caveat that it be entirely funded through private donations.<\/p>\n