• 1,500 sq. ft. Old Glory flies near Etna.

Darcel Hulse has a deep love for America and in the importance of showing patriotism. He hopes the newly installed United States Flag will be a reminder to others of their duty to their country.

After asking himself, ‘How do you make a statement in the current environment without people coming after you?’, Hulse collaborated with others and decided to use one of the strongest, if not the strongest, visual to remind people of the past, present, and future hopes for the country—the Star-Spangled Banner. This powerful visual stands as a tribute to the nation’s past, present, and future, displayed with unwavering pride for the founding principles of the United States.

“I love the country,” Hulse said, “but, I don’t like what’s going on. I’d like to return to the principles of our founding fathers and what represents the country by what they created in the Constitution.”

Recognizing the deep-seeded symbolism of the flag, it was decided to erect the  impressive 1,500 sq. ft. flag 130 feet in the air for all in the area to see and to be reminded of what it means to be an American. Hulse also hopes the flag’s prominent location and size will inspire future generations to reflect on their role in the country’s future.

“I want to instill in them a sense of patriotism,” Hulse explained. A sense of love for this country, a sense of protecting the constitution, and a sense of taking their duties and responsibilities as a citizen of this country to be productive and contribute to what’s going forward.”

So, the next time you find yourself between Alpine and Etna, traveling on US Highway 89. Take a look to the west and allow the flag’s presence serve as a powerful statement and a reminder  to each of us of what our duty is as an American.