History Unfolds as Homestead’s Super Flag Returns

waited in the heat for members of John G. Salley American Legion Post 43 to tell them how they were going to help with a special project.

What none of them knew was that nearly 50 years earlier, more than 200 other individuals had been part of that same special project.

In 1976, Homestead was designated as a Bicentennial City, with many special activities and events planned to honor the country’s 200th anniversary. An incredible idea to create a “Super Flag” was developed, and what was, for a time, the largest flag in the United States became a reality.

Volunteers in Homestead and Florida City were involved, including 150 “Betsy Rosses” who stitched together the 30-by-60-foot flag, which weighed almost 80 pounds. A special flagpole was constructed, and there was concern about whether something that size could hold together once it was raised.

The flag did fly, and it captured attention locally and beyond, including articles in the national press.

As is the way of things, the flag was put away. It was partially folded, placed into a bin and stored out of sight.

When the Homestead Town Hall Museum began considering an exhibit for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, acknowledging and highlighting the actions of the Bicentennial City seemed appropriate. The obvious centerpiece would be the Super Flag.

Once again, the sheer size posed a difficulty. There was no way to determine the condition of the flag without taking it from the plastic bin, and there was no space in the museum to do so.

The museum reached out to Jason Nimark, commander of John G. Salley American Legion Post 43 and a Scout leader. The post had recently held its annual June 14 Flag Retirement Ceremony, and participating in this effort would be an opportunity to share history with the Scouts while showing pride in a community event.

American Legion members Justin Karalfa, first vice commander; Matthew Oakey, post veterans service officer; and Legionnaire James Freed assisted and helped guide the Scouts.

Curiosity became enthusiasm as the Scouts respectfully and carefully followed instructions for handling the flag and unfolding it for the first time in decades. Although the flag’s colors have faded, there is little damage.

The next stage was to refold the flag, following the traditional flag-folding procedure. The American Legion notes that when the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked, three-cornered hat, a reminder of the soldiers, sailors and Marines who helped preserve the rights, privileges and freedoms Americans enjoy today.

A bit sweaty, yet now excited, the Scouts stood for a few more minutes as the history of the Super Flag was explained. They were invited to come to the museum when the exhibit opens in July.

The flag was moved to the museum, where Katherine Fleming, Ph.D., has found a trove of articles about the flag, Bicentennial photographs and other artifacts. The exhibit will be on display from Tuesday, July 7, through the end of the year.

For longtime residents, it will bring back memories. For newer residents and visitors, including tourists from across the country and as far away as Asia, it will provide an education about a remarkable time in modern Homestead history.

Many of the Scouts who helped will bring their families to share what they did. Perhaps some of them will become future leaders of the community.

The Homestead Town Hall Museum, at 41 N. Krome Ave., across from Losner Park, opened in 1917, after Homestead’s incorporation in 1913. It was the city’s first municipal building and housed the town hall, fire station and police station for a number of years.

Although the building was later used for different purposes, the downstairs was ultimately converted into the museum. Today, one of the items that catches most visitors’ eyes is the 1924 American LaFrance fire engine.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. There is no admission fee, and special tours for groups can be arranged. For more information, call 305-242-4463.