Flag for Florida’s tallest flagpole in Cape expected to be flying again by this weekend
The 1,275-mile journey to return Old Glory to Florida’s tallest flagpole is almost complete. Although previously reported the flag could be up and waving by Tuesday, the time frame has changed to possibly tonight or Saturday morning thanks to the president of Texas-based Flag Systems, the company which originally made and then repaired the flag.
James Williams, the president of the Dallas Company, said the flag was ready to be sent on Thursday, but two Federal Express businesses denied shipping it, saying the flag needed to be shipped through an online service.
“I didn’t want to let the city of Cape Coral down, because we know there has been some negative publicity around the flag, so I said to my wife (Shawna), who is an Army veteran, let’s go to Florida for the weekend.”
So off they want, with the repaired flag and a second flag packed in the back of their truck. And they weren’t stopping – traveling the 19 hours from Dallas with a makeshift bed in the back seat so one could sleep as the other drove. They were expected to arrive in Cape Coral Friday night.
Cape Coral city crews were waiting to raise the 6,000 square-foot flag to the top of the 250-foot pole either later tonight or tomorrow morning.
The flag was removed last week because of a fabric tear near the top of the flag and around one of the rings that helps hold it in place. Williams said new, stronger D rings and bigger webbing were used and the flag repaired by a seamstress.
“We have gone to great lengths over the years to make sure our customers are happy,” Williams said. “I have learned over the years flags mean something to people. People have died for that flag.”
And an unexpected weekend road trip wasn’t too bad, either.
“I love going to Florida,” Shawna added. “I love flags. I have the heart for them.”