PITTSBURGH \u2014 It\u2019s the great symbol of our country – the stars and stripes, representing the 13 colonies and all 50 states. Freedom and bravery are intertwined in the red, white and blue.<\/p>\n
As we get ready to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, our country\u2019s flag is embarking on a journey around the world.<\/p>\n
The flag\u2019s last stops will be in the Pittsburgh area to honor the people and places that helped build America. So you might be asking why Pittsburgh?<\/p>\n
Bill Flanagan is a volunteer for The National Flag Foundation. He says from the first shots in the French and Indian War, to forging the steel that built our cities, and now, new innovations in energy and artificial intelligence, Pittsburgh is a place where American revolutions begin. <\/p>\n
The National Flag Foundation is a non-partisan non-profit that educates the public about the U.S. flag and honors those who protect it. <\/p>\n
Bill Flanagan and chair of the foundation Romel Nicholas have spent years planning two major events for the country\u2019s 250th birthday \u2014 \u201cThe Sojourn 250\u2033 and \u201cLight to Unite.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an opportunity for us to showcase how there is common ground for Americans,\u201d Nicholas tells Channel 11. <\/p>\n
Sojourn 250 is a year-long journey our flag is currently taking all over the world, making symbolic stops. <\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single American military cemetery from Normandy to Guam, all 50 U.S. States, all territories, but at the very end they\u2019re bringing it home to PA,\u201d Flanagan tells Channel 11. <\/p>\n
In the days leading up to the semi-quincentennial, the flag\u2019s final 13 stops, named for the 13 colonies, will be in our backyard.<\/p>\n
The humble, 5×8 Old Glory will travel from the 911th Airlift Wing, to the U.S. Steelworkers\u2019 Headquarters, before making its way to Fort Ligonier, Point State Park, the North Shore, Soldiers and Sailors and Mount Washington. <\/p>\n
Then, on the eve of America\u2019s birthday, the flag\u2019s sojourn will continue at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Flag Plaza, Freedom Corner, Bakery Square and the Carrie Blast Furnaces. <\/p>\n
On the morning of July 4, the flag will start its day at dawn on Grant Street. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt 6 a.m., a brigade of 250 motorcycle riders will escort that flag into Washington, D.C., where it will fly over the Capitol,\u201d Nicholas said. <\/p>\n
The night of the Fourth is \u201cLight to Unite.\u201d It\u2019s when Pittsburgh will be the first city in the country to be illuminated in red, white, and blue. From buildings and bridges to small main streets and front porches, everyone is welcome to help our city shine. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity too for Pittsburghers to reflect and to decide ok – for at least one day, do I want to feel common ground and do I want to at least embrace national unity,\u201d Nicholas said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think that\u2019s been the Pittsburgh way the past 80 years or so, to find ways to pass political and geographic lines,\u201d Flanagan said. \u201cHopefully we can use Light to Unite and the flag\u2019s sojourn as a way to bring people together to celebrate the 250th.\u201d<\/p>\n
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