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Look up. Did you see it? Stars and stripes waving in the air, suspended almost as if it’s part of the sky itself?
When you saw it, did you follow it?
Did you follow the flag?
In 2015, Kyle Fox of Pleasant Grove, Utah decided to follow an idea he had to fly an American flag over Grove Creek Canyon, but it wasn’t just any flag. Fox and a team of rock rigging experts and local volunteers hung a giant flag that could be seen for miles and miles. According to Fox, that one flag would be the start of something bigger than even he could comprehend.
“We chose to surprise our community on July 4 and fly a flag without permission,” Fox said. “What came from it is something that I’ve described as picking us. It has impacted people in ways that we didn’t plan for.”
That first flag, the team named “Little Betsy,” because as the vision grew, so did the flag.
By 2017, a team of volunteers including the late Gail Halvorsen, also known as “The Candy Bomber,” assembled what is now affectionately known as “Big Betsy.” At 400 pounds, 154 feet long, 78 feet wide with 6-feet wide stripes and 5-feet in diameter stars, Big Betsy is the largest American flag that has ever flown in history -- yet it isn’t about that. According to Fox, flying the flag high that first day, and all the days since then has been about giving people hope during times when hope is often lost.
As word got out about the larger than life flags, the movement began to take flight with many asking to have the flag flown to represent their loved ones lost. That’s when Fox said the “Healing Flights” began.
In 2018, the flag flew its first Healing Flight in North Ogden over Cold Water Canyon in memory of Major Brent Taylor who was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 3, of that year. This flight that lasted for an entire week, reminded the community of the ultimate sacrifice that many servicemen and women make for America.
The following year in 2019, however, the flag flew for 5-year-old Elizabeth Shelley from Cache Valley, Utah who was tragically lost in a senseless act of violence. The flight brought a mourning community together to work toward healing.
That same year, the team was called to fly a flag in Tucson, Arizona to offer healing to the families who were massacred in La Mora, Mexico. Just last year a flag was flown in Boulder, Colorado to help a community heal after a shooting at a grocery store killed 10 people.
Each flight, Fox says, is about bringing communities together, and he said that the American flag is that thing that represents us all.
“We do this for soldiers and civilians,” Fox said. “We’ve recognized an opportunity for us to give back and combat the darkness and evil that surrounds us in this world. It may be the largest American flag that has ever flown in history, but the title doesn’t mean anything to me. It's the stories that have been told that are so much more important to me than how big the flag really is.”
While Fox said that it wasn’t about how big the flag is, he said that it is important that the flags be placed where the community can see it.
“Visibility is so important, which is why we love to find canyons to fly in,” Fox said. “The beauty of nature will capture you, and then you add the element of the flag there flying freely. The one thing about flying a flag in the canyon that is different than most, is the setting. You're not seeing a flag on the pole in a grocery store; it’s out in the middle of nature, and the flagpole is a rope. The flag will fly 150 feet in either direction, and when it flies out there, it is like a bird.”
Fox said that he hopes to inspire the next generation of patriots who will fly their respective flags high for years to come.
“We love our country. We’d do anything for our country,” Fox said. “We’re raising the next generation."
“The flag has thousands and thousands of threads, and eventually they start sewing these threads and memories into the fabric. .... I’m just trying to spark those experiences that make you a patriot. What we all have in common is the American flag.”
Fox and his “Follow the Flag” team have several upcoming events where the flag will fly for one week. One such event will happen on September 11 in Twin Falls, Idaho. The flag will fly for one week from the Perrine Memorial Bridge in order to give members in the community a chance to experience what it’s like to see it fly in all its glory.
“The spirit of America and all of it just collapses on you. It’s a little bit like Christmas to us because we know what will happen when we unfurl the flag on September 11,” Fox said. “There are running paths along the rim of Twin Falls, so if runners want to run on it, it will be pretty neat.
For more information on how you can follow the flag, or schedule a flag flying in your area, go to followtheflag.org
Author Ari Brown is a mom of nine, trail and ultra runner and freelance writer who has had articles published and syndicated in national publications. In her free time she likes to ... Wait! What free time?
You can find photographer and vidiographer Drew Armstrong's work here: Drew Armstrong Photo and Videography
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I spent a lot of money on a headlamp for the Tahoe 200 and was happy to turn it on at night, that was until someone I was running with had a Kogalla waist band. We let him lead the way for us into the night. I can’t believe how awesome it felt like to be a steam train running through the night. That’s when I knew I need to get the Baddest light in the world for next years Tahoe 200 2023.
I’ve had the chance to hang out with Kyle and his amazing team. They truly are some of the most selfless people I’ve ever known!
Such an inspiring story and example to set. The American flag represents so much to people. Hope, freedom the ability to learn from our mistakes and make the future even brighter. It is symbolic of heart ache, loss, tears and blood shed for all those who have fought for American to remain free. The American flag embodies strength, perseverance and a willingness to protect those that live here.
I love when people respect the flag, They should do this in more places.
wow so beautiful. currently serving and one of the biggest flags I got to help carry a big flag during a volunteer event was back in training at a baseball game! would have loved to see this in person!
This is magical, looks like to is floating in air, light and free representing what is stands for and how I feel it should make everyone feel when they see any flag whether it is an American flag or a beautifull flag from anywhere or any country it comes from.
I’m proud to be an American as I hope every American is. The American Flag is a beautiful reminder of Freedom & those who were lost fighting for it. Thank you for bringing it even more beauty the way you have & for flying it in remembrance of those who have been lost fighting for it and many others.
My Dad served as a medic in France during WWII. He was always a proud veteran ,and if he would have lived to see 9-11, would have been so sad.
The greatest country in the world!
My father was a Flying Tiger during WWII. He spent his time behind enemy lines during the entire war. I lost him in 1999!!! Believe me, I know what the flag stands for and so do all of my children!!! WE STAND FOR THE FLAG, AND ALWAYS WILL!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!
Thank you for what you do to serve others and make our community better. Immense pride and gratitude fills my heart every time I see any of these massively beautiful flags blowing in the canyon breeze.
My dad served in WWII and this flag would bring tears to his eyes!
This is an incredible way to give back and bring us all together.
As an immigrant, the flag was a symbol of freedom. We were leaving oppression and moving forward with the best part of our lives.
…Now, I work as a full time career firefighter and I wear the flag everyday on my uniform. It continues to stand for freedom for me, but it also means so much more. I’m proud to serve my community as I wear this symbol that changed my life.
Teacher. Girl Scout Leader. Mom. Wife. Survivor of 9-11. I got married at the Twin Towers and lived in Battery Park City during 9-11. Living the surreal that day- but when I saw the three New York City firefighters raising our flag at Ground Zero of the World Trade Center, following the September 11 attacks, it was my grounding, my beacon of hope. I cried with joy.
No matter what is happening in our lives, seeing the flag flying bold and proud unites us. There is a feeling of pride and patriotism that rises up that is definitely an emotional response, as we remember all those that fought and died to gain and keep our freedom. America the Beautiful still lives.
This is absolutely beautiful! I love to, and proudly have my flag in my yard. I wish everyone could be moved by just the sight of the American flag, as I am. Maybe then, we could unite, and stop all the fighting. After all, that’s part of what the flag stands for! I love your inspiration!
This is so inspiring and moved me to tears. I was not aware of this story and it’s just such a wonderful thing that is being done.
So inspiring, need to get to next session, but definitely need to finish reading more. Hope more stories like this to come.
Beautiful stories featured, but the flag brings so much emotion to me. My son was a Sargent in the Marine Corp at the height of the Iraqi war. He was a crew leader with the Green Knights who took a flag up into the FA18 and flew it across Iraq. When my son got back he presented it to his grandfather, a former Marine, who was so proud of his grandson. My dad was buried with this precious keepsake in 2012. The best present he had ever received in his life. My son led his casket in his dress blues. A sight to behold and still gives me goosebumps to this day.
I Love our Great flag and everything it stands for, men and women fought to keep our flag flying in the air, it honors so many brave men and women who went to war and gave their lives, God Bless America and evry thing it stands for!!!!
super extra cool Flags.
I love our flag and everything it stands for. My dad was a World War II war hero. He flew it proudly and his 6 kids carry on his legacy
Simply breathtaking! Would love to see this spread across America the Great.
Betsy Ross would be proud of how far her accomplishment has come in uniting those who live under her colors. As a proud American whose father, sister, son and several cousins have served our country in the military, I fly 3 flags daily. I would love to see this giant flag in person, and hope it makes a trip East somewhere so I can place my hand over my heart and sing our National Anthem, loud and proud.
this is so awesome. the american flag has a way of lifting people’s spirits. “one nation under God with liberty and justice for all”.
Great effort and story, especially when you don’t see as many American Flags out there anymore.
Great effort and story, especially when you don’t see as many American Flags out there anymore.
Truly united we stand divided we fall. We have been too divided as a nation. This is an epic step forward to reunite us all
The American flag brings many emotions to many people. For those who serve it’s a point of pride to have it on their uniforms. For those who hate us it’s a point of hate. For those who are lost they think it’s something they should use to protest their opinion against. For those who need freedom from tyranny and oppression it’s a point of hope of a new life. For me I’m thankful for each and every day I can wake up and know that it still flies all across this great country giving hope to everyone. I look forward to the day very soon that I will be finally able to raise this great flag on a 25’ flag pole in my own yard to show my pride in all that it means to me. For all those who have given so much for us to be free to display it. For all those who are still protecting it and us today and for all those who will come in the future to do the same. I remember being in school saying g the Pledge of Allegiance, I remember being in Boy Scouts learning how to treat it with respect. I remember learning how to play “Call To Color’s” and “Retreat” when we took it down at the end of the day at Boy Scout Camp. I remember playing “Taps” for the Survivors of Pearl Harbor Day. I also remember playing “Taps” for those we lost at their funerals. I look at this great flag and it brings on so many emotions. But the biggest emotion of all is Pride. I rue the day when I’ll hear Taps for when my Father passes away because he served this great country in the Navy. But I will also be proud because he served with pride and honor.
I got chills as I was reading and I still have them
That is so cool!!
This gives me goosebumps. Awesome!!! Our nation so desperately needs to unify and our flag might very well be the missing piece.
As a Naval Officer, respect for the Stars and Strikes was and is a core value. A few years ago, the Military approved retirees saluting the flag, instead of merely standing at attention. I am so proud of our Country and its wonderful people every single time I salute the Flag. On a different note, my brother was born on Flag Day, and I will never forget that event. Each and every Flag Day, my father (deceased) would say to my brother (deceased in his fifties not long ago), “Look Matt, everyone hung the Flag out for you again.” My inspiration for Service was my Uncle Mike, who was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He never spoke much about his experiences, but he is a true hero. Many of my classmates and others from the Naval Academy have lived a life of service, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Flag stands for us all, the strength and beauty of a free nation.
A flag means different things to different people but it represents all that makes America amazing
For about 25 years after my husband served in Vietnam, I would tear up whenever we saluted the flag and the Star Spangled Banner was sung. It was pride, and understanding the cost represented by the flag. I still find myself choked up when I thank a serviceman or policeman for their dedication and service.
My dad passed 18 months ago. But he loved the flag. And he would’ve gone crazy over this. Thanks for sharing
Beautiful idea. We went from being united after 9/11 to the flag actually being attacked. Need more people like this.
Long may she wave God Bless the USA
Thank you for using such a powerful symbol to honor our country and its heroes – both veterans and the heroes of 9/11. If we all concentrate on our flag and the democracy that it stands for, we can heal our differences.
One Nation
Under God
With Liberty
And Justice
For All…
To Follow the Flag is to remember our history and commemorate the sacrifice of those who gave, intentionally or otherwise.
I love this concept. We should be flying flags everywhere. Proud to be an American. And thankful for the men and women who made my freedom possible. God Bless The U.S A
I was born on the 4th of July, and would really like to have a nice flag on my big front yard!
When I saw just the photos of it above in the article, the epic flag made me pause in awe. I can only imagine what it was like to see the flag of this size in person. Thank you for sharing this.
God Bless America 💕💕💕
I pledge of allegiance to the U.S.A.
I wouldn’t want t live anywhere else but the good ol’ USA!
God Bless America and all of it citizens.
This is great
I’m proud to be a bearer of the our flag. So sad so many do not have a great respect for our symbol of patriotism
Must be truly Amazing thank you for Being there in this time of need .
I love our country and our flag. It breaks my heart to see the division in this country. Praying that we can all unite under our flag. Thank you for what you are doing to spread hope!
We have a flag wherever we go!
This is awesome Viva la USA
Great start to a long holiday weekend, thank you!
Awesome, flying the flag at any time, and such a huge one at that, is such a great idea.
One Nation Under God with Liberty and Justice for ALL. 🇺🇸 United we stand.
The Spirit of America…
That is so cool! I can’t even imagine a flag that big! And flying it in the wilderness is brilliant, not discriminating between soldiers and civilians. That makes me feel so inspired. Many thanks to Kyle for acting on his idea. It is a wonderful one!!
I drive through a neighborhood every day that has flagpoles off of all the mailboxes. A true Americana neighborhood!
let freedom ring
What a wonderful idea because our flag should remind us of our freedoms we have and just knowing you fly it for different reasons means that it is important to those that you did it for and a reminder to us all that we live in a country where the flag is our representation of just that freedom.
I’m inspired to place a flag pole in my front yard as a tribute to all those who served including my Dad (Korea.) Keep up the good work!
Let Freedom Ring.
I enjoyed reading about this and wish I lived close enough to actually see it. I hope we will continue to display and see our flag displayed. What will happen when some group is offended by its display and they try to “cancel” its display. Don’t think it can’t happen.Who would have thought high schools named after former presidents would have to be renamed?
With , or without permission, I will and have Followed the Flag. She stands for all that I believe in. I am so grateful for those that share her.
I have carried her up Grove Creek and in many half marathons, and a full . I love the delight I see in the eyes of children and adults while sharing Old Glory .
Many have fought for our flag , and a few of my family members were draped in her after their final service.
Thank you for this Beautiful effort .
I always think about how the worst terrorist attack in our country brought out the best in all of us. We all pulled together and truly became one nation. I believe that this flag will remind us of what we were at one time and could become again.
Beautiful and meaningful. Thank you for doing this.
I applaud what Mr.Fox, the rigging experts, and the volunteers for what they have done. The American Flag no matter what size it maybe. With its stars and stripes. Holds a meaning that is priceless… FREEDOM & LIBERTY FOR ALL.
Awesome program! I’m gonna start Following The Flag from now on.
🇺🇸🤘😎🤘🇺🇸 Rock on!
I can’t explain the lump in my throat when i see the flag flying in all it’s glory! A sense of patriotic, pride, and the grace of GOD swell up, and all I can say is I would die for that Flag! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
This article is full of inspiration! Thanks!
I think the flag can help in the healing process of our very stressed and divided country, but it is the actions of helping our neighbors and volunteering in our communities that truly defines patriotism, and will ultimately unify Americans.
Very inspiring message. I will share with my family. The picture of the flag lit at night always makes me shiver and makes me take pause at how lucky I am to be an American. Thank you for all you do!
Very inspiring message. I will share with my family. The picture of the flag lit at night always makes me shiver and makes me take pause at how lucky I am to be an American. Thank you for all you do!
Thank you for sharing this inspiring story.
Thank you for the work you do to unite our country. 🇺🇸
Thank you for the work you to do to unite our country. 🇺🇸
Thank you for sharing this. I am proud to be an American and will always support and follow our flag.
very inspiring
God bless our flag and our great democracy
God bless the USA and these patriots!
America is a diverse nation. It’s not compose of one race, ethnicity, or religion.Yet there is a sense of belonging, of longing, of inspiration that the flag instills in us, the American people.
…and I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today!!" My husband fought for our flag. May the Lord bless you!!
THIS FLAG IS WONDERFUL AND I MADE A CROCHETED ONE WITH 50 STARS THAT I HAVE TO FINISH SOON ,BUT AMERICA IS BEAUTIFUL!!!
I salute the flag as I pass one. We wore the flag on our Army uniforms while we were in combat zones
Great reminder that no matter what you read about division and differences, most people are inherently decent, caring and willing to help others. That is the America represented here and in examples in virtually every community across the country.
I proudly display the stars and stripe everyday and have done so for 40’plus years. Our community also display a very large flag on the only bridge into town. It never gets ragged or dirty , if it gets so it it replaced immediately.
Our community is a country living mix of diffeeent ethnicity.
Isn’t America awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope to visit one day soon!
This would be quite a sight to see in person. Pictures just don’t seem like it would do it justice.
It’s nice to see projects that people care about as they can help unify people, using our flag is even better because you can take pride in your country and the sacrifices made to get where we are. These days everyone is so busy not seeing what is in front of them or are hurting from what life throws their way, I would like to think seeing the flag flying high that they would feel some comfort and know they are one of many and not alone. For those with military service to remember why they swore that oath, remember friends lost and made and where they are now in life and where they want to be. Fly high my brothers and sister in service.
That is one of the greatest stories I have read of in a long long time.THANK YOU
On behalf of the 70 million Americans who voted in the 2020 elections, I feel as though our Flag and our country has been disgraced by President Joe Biden: Those of us who voted for Trump don’t qualify as human beings as far as that senile bastard is concerned.
I love my American because it gave more freedom than where I came from Estonia. Love you, America!!!!
I have flown an American Flag in front of our Barn all my life. It is also a Memorial for my Father who was a Pilot in WWII ! I was going to replace it with a new 4′×6′ American Flag When President Trump Won his second term as President…I have not replaced it and won’t replace it until Trump is back in office and Saves the Country!!! Its a sad thing that my present flag has dropped to half mast by itself…its like a reflection of our Country and I can’t wait to put up a new Flag!!! May God Bless America!!! Amen!!!
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Keep up the great work.
I LOVE how they said that they flew the flag without permission and it became this amazing symbol of honoring those that it represents.
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David Knechtel
September 24, 2022
I love the spirit of unity behind this activity. The American flag has always drawn me closer to our country and the freedom we enjoy. When we see the flag, let’s not forget those who went before us and gave us the freedom we enjoy.