Huge American Flag to Fly from Verrazzano Bridge for July 4th Weekend

By Y.M. Lowy

Drivers crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge this Fourth of July weekend will be greeted by a patriotic sight as a massive American flag is set to fly from the bridge in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that the flag will be displayed throughout the Independence Day weekend, reviving a tradition last seen during the country’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976.

The project has been in the works for more than a year and was requested by local elected officials representing Staten Island and South Brooklyn. While the MTA has not released the exact size of this year’s flag, the display is expected to be one of the largest in the region.

The flag will only be flown if weather conditions allow. The MTA says it will closely monitor forecasts and will display the flag only if sustained winds remain below 25 mph, avoiding a repeat of 1976, when strong winds tore apart the original Bicentennial flag shortly after it was installed.

The display is part of the larger celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday, which are bringing special events, tall ships, military flyovers, and other patriotic displays to New York City throughout the week.