“Lady Liberty,” an American flag, flies over Grove Creek Canyon in Pleasant Grove on Independence Day, July 4, 2024.
Why does the flag of the United States mean so much to so many? There are a variety of reasons, but whatever those reasons are, people are drawn to the flag – and during these last few days, they have been drawn to a huge flag hanging in a canyon. table flag
My brother and his family were recently planning to visit Utah from out of state. He asked if the giant flag would be hanging above Grove Creek Canyon again this year, hoping that it would. After being out of town for several days, a couple of my daughters and I pulled up to our Pleasant Grove home, and one said, “Yes! The flag is still there.” Along the nearby Murdock Canal Trail, many walkers, cyclists and runners pause to look at the flag, take photos and just enjoy. Yes, the flag holds special meaning to so many.
For 10 years, I have had the privilege of seeing Lady Liberty, the giant flag that is hanging majestically above Grove Creek Canyon in Pleasant Grove, from my home. The flag will be there through July 14.
If you live in Utah, you have probably seen a plethora of photos of this special flag posted on social media since it was unfurled on the morning of July 4. Hundreds of people – not just locals – make the trek up to see the flag flying majestically above the trailhead every year. Some sit and stay awhile or hike below it. Others go up every night it is there. Some camp nearby in order to see it first thing in the morning.
“Nothing more pretty than seeing our flag wave in the wind,” reads a comment on the Pleasant Grove Community Connection Facebook page. “It’s a humbling, sacred experience,” reads a comment on the Follow the Flag Facebook page. “Absolutely beautiful. I love the flag so much,” reads another.
What is it about a giant flag of red, white and blue that draws so many to it? To many of us, the flag symbolizes freedom, history and hope. To others, it may symbolize the opportunity to make changes and to better ourselves and our country. To veterans and their families, it is a symbol of sacrifice, pride and love. Newcomers to the United States may think of it as a symbol of lifelong dreams and new beginnings. During this election year, maybe the flag stands for the voice that we all have. Some may use it as a political symbol, but it is so much more than that.
If you haven’t seen the giant flag yet, there is still time. If you don’t make it, that’s okay. A flag of any size will hold the same meaning for those who love it.
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