Adopt A Flagpole

History of Program

The Adopt A Flagpole Program was established to help promote civic pride and patriotism as well as to maintain our "City of Flags" designation. In 1976, during the nation's Bicentennial, Longview proclaimed itself to be the "City of Flags". Thanks to the efforts of the City's Bicentennial Commission, businesses and homes all around the city began flying Old Glory. The city had several poles erected in municipal parks and other public areas where they would be highly visible.

But once the spirit of '76 began to wear off, fewer and fewer U.S. flags were seen in the City of Flags. Many that were still flying had become torn and tattered. In order to keep the flags flying the city established a "flag fund" in 1985. Staff collected donations for the flags as well as needed lights and the program seemed to snowball. Soon, poles were filled and flags at several locations around town had lighting. Longview began to look like the "City of Flags" again.

The Adopt A Flagpole program continues today and is offered to individuals, clubs and businesses who wish to maintain its designation as a "City of Flags. Through the years approximately $5,000.00 has been donated to this program. Without these contributions, many flagpoles would either be removed or remain without flags. There are currently twelve participants in this program with twenty flagpoles adopted. Most flags are furnished by the participants but some are purchased through donations. A plaque has been placed at City Hall to honor all past and current participants in the Adopt A Flagpole Program.