The Tallest Symbol of Freedom

by Deb Boelkes

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The story of a 7,200 sq ft, 4-story tall American flag flying on a 400' tall flagpole

Visible from a considerable distance, the flagpole is located on Acuity's campus along Interstate 43 between Milwaukee and Green Bay.

• The flagpole is nearly 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty.
• At 70 by 140 feet, the flag is the world’s tallest symbol of freedom.
• Flags are taken down at the first sign of wear, such as tearing along the seams. A professional seamstress uses an industrial-grade sewing machine kept at Acuity to make repairs.
• The 9,800-square-foot flag weighs 250 pounds.

A Veterans Memorial at the base of the flagpole features the names of Sheboygan County residents killed in active duty, going all the way back to the Civil War.

• There are more than 750 inscribed pavers at the base of the pole.
• The pavers were intentionally placed in the shape of a teardrop.
• A kiosk nearby features a map to help locate specific names.
• Get a copy of the flag handout to learn more or share with others.

Erecting a flagpole of such height in a location where temperatures frequently fall below zero required a team of experts to ensure structural integrity and maintainability.

• The flagpole is designed to withstand a low temperature of -42 degrees and wind speeds up to 120 miles per hour.
• Three pendulum-style tuned mass dampers reduce movement and vibration.
• Over 500 gallons of paint cover the pole, and the foundation needed 680 cubic yards of concrete.
• The flagpole weighs approximately 420,000 pounds.

See more at: https://www.acuity.com/about/flagpole