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GASTONIA, NC – Arguably the biggest American free-flying flag in the country is right in our backyard.
The United Veterans of America, a non-profit group, flies the flag in the shadows of Crowders Mountain off U.S. 74 in Gastonia.
The problem is, on Veterans Day, the flag was not on the flag pole.
The 400-pound pound flag is ripped and worn out, so veterans in Gastonia have had to take it down– and now they need help getting it repaired.
“That flag means a lot. It’s not only just for veterans, it’s for everybody. Not flying that flag is like… I’m not an American,” said Commander John Cato, with the United Veterans of America.
There’s a 150-pound flag flying in its place until the group receives enough money to fix the bigger flag. It’s worn and has a 6-ft by 12-ft tear.
“It’s like a lady running around, a good looking woman. As long as she’s dressed right, she’s beautiful. And it’s the same thing with that flag. When it’s up there, it’s beautiful,” said Cato.
The Gastonia post says it would cost close to $1,000 to fix it. That’s money the non-profit group says it doesn’t have.
The United Veterans of America relies on donations to keep their flags flying.
“We exist solely on the good will of the people of our community,” said Commander Lance Richardson, with the UVA.
If you want to make a donation, contact the United Veterans of America at 704-868-4674 or 704-964-2488.
