Nearly 50 years ago, as our nation prepared to celebrate its Bicentennial, the people of Elko set out to create something meaningful - something that would stand as a daily reminder of who we are and what we value. In 1974, plans began for a flag that would rise above the Elko community. On July 4, 1976, that vision became reality.
A 30-by-50-foot American flag was raised on a 100-foot pole atop a city-owned hill between the Basque Club and what is now Flag View Intermediate School. At an elevation of 5,280 feet - one mile above sea level - the flag became a landmark, a symbol, and a point of pride for everyone who calls Elko home.
But a symbol like this doesn’t take care of itself.
In 2014, recognizing the need for ongoing stewardship, local businesses, civic clubs, and dedicated citizens came together to form the Elko Flag Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The foundation operates entirely on donations and volunteer labor. There is no paid staff - only people who love their community and want to ensure that Old Glory continues to fly high above it.
Today, a team of volunteer flag tenders carries out this work: Bill Strickland, Jess Lopategui, Paul Gardner, Jon Wahrenbrock, Jose Negrete, Scott Porter, Cheryl Porter, Jerry Franco, Ryan Church, and Zach Arbilaga.
Many people, organizations and businesses have contributed their time and labor to the job of raising the flag and keeping it flying proudly through the years.
A July 2014 story on Elko's big flag: Fluttering from a flagpole planted in 1976 as part of a nationwide celebration of the country's 200th birthday, the aptly named Big Flag greets residents and travelers alike. As the United States' bicentennial approached, communities were encouraged to participate in a national commemoration. The Elko Flag Foundation formed to secure enough money to install the tall pole, which reaches a mile above sea level at its tip. Individuals and businesses stepped up and donated what they could, said founding member and secretary treasurer Bill Nesbit. Vogue Laundry offered to clean and mend used flags, he added, which it has continued to do. Two to three times a year the flag needs to be replaced or repaired. Flag sizes vary, but they're commonly 30 feet by 50 feet and take at least three people to hoist to the top. "A reminder of our patriotism is always refreshing," Nesbit said, "and it always brings good thoughts about our country as a defender of freedom." Not just the locals, but often people driving through town admire the big flag by the freeway and ask about its origins, according to Nesbit.
The Elko Flag Foundation recognizes the original tenders - Dr. Tom Gallagher, Jess Lopategui, Mel Steninger and Bill Nisbet - whose dedication laid the groundwork for everything they do today. The foundation also thanks volunteer Jim Uhart, who transports flags to and from Sparks for repair.
The City of Elko maintains the grounds and covers the cost of lighting.
The foundation acknowledges Elko Blacksmith Shop for designing and building the flagpole, Perry Crane & Rigging, Inc. for providing manpower and equipment, Vogue Laundry for flag repairs and cleaning, and Elko Wire Rope & Mining Supply for their contributions when the need arose.
Caring for a flag of this size is not simple. With 1,500 square feet of fabric, even a light breeze can make handling it dangerous. That’s why flag changes happen early in the morning, when the winds are calmest. Safety is always the first priority.
Wind is the greatest enemy of the flag. When a flag is lowered, it is carefully inspected. Some can be repaired for $100 to $300.
Others must be retired with dignity. To retire a flag, it is sent to the Flag Store in Sparks. Then prior to June 14, Flag Day, the Veterans Cemetery of Fernley, Nevada takes all the Flag Store’s collection of retired flags for their Flag Day ceremony. The flags are incinerated, and the ashes are collected and buried with respect at the cemetery.
New flags are made in America and cost approximately $1,500 each.
Since 2012, the Elko Flag Foundation has raised 24 new flags, 30 repaired flags, and respectfully retired 32 flags. That is tens of thousands of dollars invested - not in fabric, but in pride, in heritage, and in the spirit of the community.
The Elko Flag Foundation says there is also something else they honor: the U.S. Flag Code. Because of its size, the Elko flag cannot be flown at half-mast without touching the ground, which is not permitted. To honor the code, and honor the flag, the foundation ensures that the Elko flag never drags, and never loses the dignity it deserves.
The Elko Flag Foundation says that for many people, seeing the flag waving above Elko brings comfort. It brings hope. It brings a sense of unity that is rare and precious. It reminds us that no matter our differences, we stand beneath the same stars and stripes.
But the foundation says this symbol endures only because of the generosity of people in the community.
The Elko Flag Foundation relies entirely on donations to purchase new flags, repair damaged ones, and maintain the pole. Every contribution - large or small - helps keep this proud tradition alive.
As the Elko Flag Foundation puts out a call for donations to help support the flying of Elko’s American flag in the years ahead, they say that “if the sight of that flag has ever lifted your spirits … If it has ever reminded you of home, of service, of sacrifice, or of the freedoms we cherish … Then we invite you to help us keep it flying.”
Donations can be sent to: Elko Flag Foundation, c/o Jon Wahrenbrock, 1800 Griswold Drive, Unit 1, Elko, NV 89801.
The foundation thanks you for your support, your patriotism, and your commitment to keeping Old Glory waving proudly over the City of Elko.
