Monticello landmark to stay on location
September 29th, 2006 by JeffThe flag will keep flying at the old Coca-Cola plant location, according to Monticello Mayor David Anderson. Originally, there was concern when the real estate arm of Wal-Greens informed the city that they had a deadline to remove the large flag pole at the corner of Highways 278 and 425. However, after a meeting with Anderson, Congressman Mike Ross committed to making some phone calls to the Wal-Greens corporation on behalf of the city.
“As a result of those phone calls, the flag will be staying,” Anderson related. “Wal-Greens called us and were very cooperative and said they wanted to be community-minded and patriotic. They saw no reason to move the flagpole at that point.”
The large American flag can be seen from numerous points throughout the city. At times, there is no flag present on the pole, which causes concern. Anderson related that during such times, the flag is probably being repaired. “Those flags are very susceptible to damage and tear easily,” he said. The city has 3-4 flags on hand at all times, either flying or being resown. The flags cost approximately $2000 a piece.
A new flag was purchased for the Babe Ruth World Series in August, but it is currently being resown after sustaining some rips. “The flag will be back up as soon as it is repaired,” Anderson said.
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Good thing too….what bad P.R. for the company if the town it is trying to obtain business from is offended by them before the business is even built.Although i did notice the comment was……”They saw no reason to remove the flagpole AT THAT POINT.”Hmmm.
Glad to hear that the flag will still be flying. It is definitely a Monticello landmark.
I’m very glad to hear about this! I was sitting at the light today and wondering about what Walgreen’s would do with the flagpole. The huge, beautiful flag waving at our busiest intersection really is a great landmark for our city. I’m extremely glad that it will remain flying. Kudos to Congressman Ross for stepping in too.
Why was removing it being considered? In order to put up a Walgreens sign there?
This is such an awesome website. Ms. West, my EASTlab teacher, wanted us to browse around it. I’m glad she did! This is a great way to keep everyone informed on what is going on in the town.
I am so glad to know the flagpole will remain at the intersection of Hwy 278 and 425 – I often wondered who was responsible for flying the flag since it is seen so infrequently. Also wish the flagpole would receive a new coat of paint. This is such an important show of patriotism for our city – keep the flag flying!
I made the comment to my wife the other day that Walgreens would probably hava a fight on their hands with the citizens of Monticello if they tried to remove the flagpole. Excellent decision on keeping it – good job to those who intervened.
I am so glad to here that the flagpole will be staying. It has been a landmark of mine when coming into town to see the flag blowing in the wind. We need to keep our patriotism alive and what an awesome way of representation – something you can’t miss!
I was almost up in arms when I heard that the flagpole was being taken down. Of all the things that Monticello has as landmarks, the flagpole is one which I have never taken for granted. Every time I go to town for something, I always look up at it. It is as iconic to this city as the Coca-Cola plant WAS. To have lost it would have changed the face of the city, for it stands at our heart.
Thank goodness. The flag is a great representative for the community. I have had countless relatives and friends form out of town comment about the “flag at the coke plant”, they love it. I will never forget seeing it at half staff on September 11th. I say get that flag flying asap and keep it that way!
The large American flag can be seen from numerous points throughout the city. At times, there is no flag present on the pole, which causes concern. Anderson related that during such times, the flag is probably being repaired. “Those flags are very susceptible to damage and tear easily,” he said. The city has 3-4 flags on hand at all times, either flying or being resown. The flags cost approximately $2000 a piece. I have been driving past our flag pole for about a month now and something is missing!! It’s the flag "3-4 flags on hand at all times" i wonder if all the flags are being fixed at this time?
[...] Monticello landmark to stay on location [...]
[...] As strong weather fronts moved through the area Tuesday night and again today, high winds caused the newly replaced flag at the intersection of Highways 425 and 278 to rip. The flag was taken down Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service projects strong possibilities of thunderstorms today and tonight as the front continues to move in from the northwest. Temperatures will drop throughout the day and reach the low 40s by late tonight.Related posts:Monticello landmark to stay on locationThe end of an eraHigh on Coke [...]
I was concerned about the flag’s possible removal and am grateful it will stay. It is important for us to continue our support of our country especially during the war with Iraq.
this flag is the part of my life in Monticello i been here all my life and i just 20 but i love seeing make me feel like that. I’m American and that flag make me feel proud. So in closing i happy it staying,
The flag stays great. The sign is there but when you go to apply for job email address that is on sign it states there is no walgreens in Monticello doesn’t say when the store will open kind of confussing that the sign offers a job but it’s like the store doesn’t exist
First I would say how happy I am when I was notified about the moniticellolive website. I grew up in Monticello and have friends and family there and I am always interested in the news from home!! On another note, I too am happy to see the flag will still be flying when I come home to visit. Congratulations to those who fought for it to stay!!
Glad to hear that it is staying! Daddy says he remembers taking a picture with it when it was first put up!