My name is Wes Holmes, and together with my wife, Phyllis, we own and operate the Foothills Ranch in Mayer, Az (between Mayer, Az and Dewey, Az). You may notice that we proudly fly a 30' x 60' American flag as a symbol of our patriotism. A large flagpole was one of our first priorities when we began building the Foothills Ranch ten years ago as a family-owned ranch and riding stable. When our flag was beyond repair, and due to the expense, we contacted a local car dealership in Prescott. They regularly fly a 30' x 60' flag, and, inspired by our desire to have a large flag on Route 69 as part of the community, they generously donated their torn and damaged flags to us. My wife, Phyllis, repairs these flags, allowing us to put them back into service.

Recently, that dealership in Prescott has changed ownership, and the new management team have made the business decision to have their flags sent in for repair.

We host a flag retirement ceremony every year with many local organizations participating. Including the American Legion, Boy Scouts of America, Daughters of the Revolution, local FFA members and SOC (SEAL) Richard Rodriguez (USN Ret.) Veterans Services, Embry-Riddle Prescott. The formal ceremony is held annually on Flag Day and includes a color guard, the playing of Taps, Folds of the Flag demonstration and closing prayers. Many veterans and patriots attend each year as well as various local news organizations.

Our most recent ceremony retired more than 3000 flags! Grommets from these flags are collected and donated to create a bell for the new USS Arizona Submarine. Going forward, we are planning to host a second ceremony on Dec 7th, Pearl Harbor Day, as we are receiving too many to do at one time.

Our flag has become a landmark and such a beloved symbol in the community. People honk daily as they drive past, and we receive calls of appreciation weekly.

One gentleman stopped by to thank us and told us that every time he drives by with his 5 year old in the car, she says the Pledge of Allegiance. We have countless more stories like this. Everyone who sees this flag flying expresses gratitude and pride and is inspired by by its presence increasing a sense of patriotism. We have been spotlighted on several local television stations, and the flag is now recognized by Google as a landmark.

We now need your help in keeping a proper flag flying along Route 69, and are looking for local partners to help offset the cost.

The cost for one of these flags is $2500, and depending on the wind and weather, last approx. 2 months. With us being able to do our own repairs, we can extend the life of these flags to about 3 months. Ideally, we would like to be able to obtain 4 flags a year.

https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/the-untold-story-behind-giant-us-flag-in-mayer/75-20e7726a-d2fa-4d7a-8f1d-7f97481c448d

Check us out at Foothills-Ranch.com

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.