The people who tend Elko’s American flag include, from left, Ryan Church, Bill Nisbet, Jess Lopategui, Jerry Franco, Scott Porter, Jon Wahrenbrock, and Bill Strickland. Elko’s large American flag was first raised 50 years ago, on July 4, 1976, and has been a community-supported project since then.
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 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 is looking for youth in uniform to walk a flag down Elko’s Independence Day parade route.
The people who tend Elko’s American flag include, from left, Ryan Church, Bill Nisbet, Jess Lopategui, Jerry Franco, Scott Porter, Jon Wahrenbrock, and Bill Strickland. Elko’s large American flag was first raised 50 years ago, on July 4, 1976, and has been a community-supported project since then.
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.
