TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-- The front steps of Florida’s Old Capitol were bathed in red, white and blue Thursday morning.
Two retired firefighters with the World Memorial nonprofit are taking a 28 by 60 foot flag to each of the nation’s 50 capital cities.
Called the “Patriot Flag” the two have now lugged the 50 pound national icon to 38 states.The effort is in honor of military men and women— as well as those who perished during the 9/11 terror attacks in New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
One of the two organizers of the effort is former New York Firefighter Joe Torrillo who survived the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. Torrillo and his partner hoped the flag could help remind people to find common ground in a politically divisive time. “Mitch and I want to make this country the re-United States of America. Resurrect patriotism and put new glory in Old Glory. That’s really what it’s about.”
The two traveled the nation previously with a flag— stopping in major cities in fifty states, following 9/11. This time it’ll be fifty capitals in fifty months. The tour started in 2016. It’s expected to finish in 2020.