Large Commemorative American Flag Removed from Hoover Dam Due to Tear
The massive American flag raised at Hoover Dam to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday has been removed temporarily. Why was the flag removed, and when is it expected to be back? Read on for all of the details.
No Timeline for When Giant Flag Will Return to Hoover Dam
A large American flag that has been flying at the Hoover Dam in Nevada has been removed by officials to make necessary repairs. The flag and the accompanying red, white, and blue LED light display were unveiled at a unique lighting ceremony on Memorial Day at the famous dam. The grand ceremony featured a moment to recognize the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
The display is part of the ongoing celebration across the country to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Measuring 150 feet by 300 feet, the flag had been hanging on the south side of the dam when it was removed from its perch on the evening of Tuesday, June 9. According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the flag suffered a large rip along the section with the stripes.
The Bureau of Reclamation has not been able to provide an accurate estimate for when the flag will be raised again. A June 11 update from the bureau said, "We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to restore the flag to its full glory."
Despite the absence of the flag, the lighting ceremony is still happening every night. The unveiling of the patriotic display featured colorful lights glistening on the nearby rocks in the shape of stars. Red and blue lights have lit the dam at night since the unveiling of the flag. The installation boasts over 550 automated LED lights. Hoover Dam's hydroelectricity completely powers the lights, allowing them to illuminate the space and the surrounding canyon walls. Visitors can see the lights beginning at dusk each night.
Officials confirmed that the patriotic lighting display will continue to be lit up the night skies through July 4. The LED display is located on the south-facing side of the dam that is located on the border between Nevada and Arizona. Hoover Dam is about an hour away from Las Vegas.
Response to the Flag Snafu
The timing of the flag having to be removed shortly after it was unveiled has not gone unnoticed on the internet. Most of the messages have been supportive of the need to repair the flag, noting that Americans are looking forward to its return. One Facebook user commented, "Where's Betsy Ross when you need her?", referencing the woman who designed the first U.S. flag.
The American flag weighs a whopping 2,000 pounds. Officials said that it took a team of five days to sew the flag. The large patriotic piece has also been used at football games featuring the Las Vegas Raiders and the Indianapolis Colts.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo remarked when the flag was first raised in May that his state was "proud to help tell the story of innovation, exploration, and progress that shapes our nation, from Hoover Dam to our growing technology and infrastructure sectors to the world-class tourism industry." The governor went on to praise his state and its involvement in celebrating the nation's birthday by saying that "Nevada has always played an important role in American history. For generations, Hoover Dam has stood as one of the greatest engineering achievements in American history. It represents determination, ingenuity, hard work, and the willingness of Americans to take on challenges that once seemed impossible."
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