Largest
US Flag-The Superflag-world record set by Thomas "Ski"
Demski
Long Beach, CA, US-- The "Superflag", made
by Mr. Thomas
"Ski"
Demski, measures 505 feet by 225 feet and weighs 3,000
pounds, takes 500 people to unfurl, and sets the world record
for the Largest US Flag.
"Ski" Demski had this flag made of cloth
and sewn together in Pennsylvania (his home state) and delivered
to him on Flag Day June 14, 1992.
(click
here to enlarge photo)
Superflag's website
says "The primary focus of Superflag is to bring patriotism,
nationalism, and American sentiment back into our society.
Superflag is but just one of many avenues available to do
this."
Superflag is a whopping 255 x 505 (ft)
version of "Old Glory" and was hung on cables across the Hoover
Dam to mark the 1996 Olympic torch relay. "It wasn't easy,"
was Demski's comment.
(click
here to enlarge photo)
Superflag which weighs in at 3,000 lbs., has it's own
motor home to travel in. No special equipment is required
to move it, says Demski. "You just need a bunch of people
to manhandle it."
...In 1980 "Ski"
Demski decided to install a 120 Ft flagpole in front
of his home. In July, 1980 on the christening day, "The Pole"
flew a 30 x 60 Ft "Old Glory" on her staff.
"Ski" then commissioned an "American Flag"
for when the hostages from Iran returned. The size of the
flag was 47 x 82 Ft. It was raised for the 444 day celebration
on January 25, 1981.This same flag was used at the USC Library
for when the former President Bush (I) was campaigning for
Vice-President.
That is when "Ski" decided to
commission Superflag I, which was 95 x 160 Ft Superflag's
maiden unfurling was at Tampa, Florida at Superbowl XVIII
in January 1984. In the same year, the flag was presented
at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Francisco,
California.
In 1996 his World's Largest Superflag
(255 x 505 Ft), 2.8 football fields large, was hoisted on
Hoover Dam for the Olympic Torch Relay Crossing. "Ski" and
the Superflag made it into the 1997 Guinness Book of Records
® for the "Largest Flag in the World.
Photo: Super Flag on Hoover Dam
Superflag's grommet's were attached to heavy steel cables
attached to the Hoover Dam by officials of the U.S. Bureau
of Reclamation, which operates the Dam. The steel grommets
every 30 inches where strong enough to hold the flag in heavy
wind, and soon after the record required time period had passed,
one cable snapped!
(click
here to enlarge photo)
Superflag has been unfurled at Superbowls,
in front of the Washington Monument, even dangled from Hoover
Dam for an awe-inspiring photo opportunity.
Mr. Thomas
"Ski" Demski passed away on 19 January,
2002. Superflag will continue to be displayed across this
great county for the Thomas
L. Demski Trust, by Jim Alexander, as was direction
in his Thomas L. Demski Trust; according to his own wishes,
he was cremated and his ashes placed inside the 7-foot eagle
atop the 132-foot flagpole outside his home.
(click here to enlarge photo)
Out in front of Demski's
Long Beach home stands a 132 foot flag pole, "The Pole." Demski
was also a Pole, looks something like Santa Claus. A neon
sign over his garage said "The North Pole." A 30x60 foot flag
flaps atop the pole.
Why flags? Demski said "Because it
represents our country and what it stands for. It means freedom
to me and there's no sweeter word."
Thursday,
September 11, 2008
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