Billionaire Marcus Lemonis supports efforts for a large flag at Ground Zero

Campaign for American Flag at Ground Zero

A significant effort is underway to install a large American flag permanently at Ground Zero, supported by billionaire Marcus Lemonis, known from the show The Fixer.

This flagpole will commemorate both the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Over 86,000 individuals have signed a petition on change.org backing this initiative.

Last week at the National September 11 Memorial Museum, artist Scott Robaid advocated for the flag project, and Lemonis announced that he would cover the costs.

Lemonis emphasized that there should be no barriers to erecting the flagpole since he is funding it. “I’m willing to pay for a 150-foot flagpole,” he stated. “Just tell me when and where. You can count on it, and I’ll handle the finances.”

He has experience managing flags, having a giant 130-foot flagpole at the Camping World dealerships he helped establish. While some local entities have attempted to challenge the height of flagpoles, he mentioned that all flags are still displayed.

“I want to ensure that the flagpole at Ground Zero is a reality,” he asserted.

The design includes a 150-foot pole with a 30-foot by 60-foot flag to be situated near the Freedom Tower, serving as a long-overdue tribute to the victims of 9/11 and the first responders.

Robaid expressed that this memorial should be celebrated daily and not just on designated remembrance days. “We should never be ashamed to proudly fly our flag,” he added. “This is about reminding everyone, from Americans to international visitors, that we stood united in our darkest moments.”

As the country prepares to observe its 250th anniversary alongside the 25th of 9/11, he remarked that creating symbols of unity and gratitude is essential.

The estimated cost for the installation stands at $150,000, with an additional $2,500 to $3,000 for replacing weather-damaged flags multiple times a year.

Currently, there are two small flags on the site that hardly get noticed.

Massimo DiDonna, president of the Fallen Firefighter Carl V. Bini Foundation, emphasized the importance of this project. “It’s not just a monument; it’s a promise that our unity will prevail over tragic events,” he said.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis has shown her support for the flag initiative, describing it in a letter to Robaid as a patriotic tribute to the victims and first responders still facing health issues post-9/11.

The coordinated terrorist attacks on September 11 claimed nearly 3,000 American lives, with 2,753 deaths occurring at Ground Zero alone, including firefighters and police officers.

Furthermore, the CDC reported last year that over 8,200 participants in the Global Trade Health Program have passed away, including nearly 6,000 who responded to the attacks.