'World's Largest Flagpole' In Maine To Honor U.S. Veterans

COLUMBIA FALLS, ME — As the United States of America nears its 250th birthday, one family is determined to build a massive monument in Maine that will not only honor millions of U.S. veterans but also topple records.

Last week, Morrill Worcester and his sons, Mike and Rob, unveiled plans for Flagpole of Freedom Park, a for-profit organization and destination to be built on 2,500 acres of land near Columbia Falls. Supported by private investments, Flagpole of Freedom Park's namesake would tower at 1,461 feet and would also "fly the largest American flag ever flown," according to organizers.

If constructed, the park will feature six living-history museums, exhibits and a 4,000-seat venue for live performances, organizers said.

The park's purpose is to symbolize "the commitment and sacrifice veterans make to protect America’s freedom," according to organizers.

The projected opening date of the park is July 4, 2026, or the country's 250th birthday.

"Almost every family in the United States will be connected to this park in some way. We want to bring Americans together, remind them of the centuries of sacrifice made to protect our freedom, and unite a divided America," Morrill Worcester said in a news release.

Flagpole of Freedom Park is just the latest venture for Worcester, who has spent much of his life taking on projects that showcase his love of country and respect for service members. The founder of Wreaths Across America, Worcester has started several businesses in his lifetime including Worcester Wreath Co., County Concrete and Construction, and Worcester Peat Co.

Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization, is not affiliated with the Flagpole of Freedom Park project, organizers told Patch.

Over the last 12 months, numerous organizations, including The Military Coalition, Military Women’s Memorial, and the American Legion in Maine have pledged their support of the project, which could carry a price tag of nearly $1 billion, the Bangor Daily News reported.

However, public reaction to the project has been mixed, according to the newspaper.

"I think it’s a wonderful project," Debra Couture, a Navy veteran and the commander of the Maine American Legion, told the Daily News. "I’m looking forward to going to see the flagpole in the future."

Meanwhile, Andrew Pappas, a retired Marine and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Calais, told the Daily News $1 billion could be used to help to fight veteran homelessness and fund mental health and medical care.

"A billion dollars could go a long way," he told the newspaper. "How much are we going to blow on this thing and what benefit do veterans get from it?"

If built, the flagpole would sit atop a 315-foot hill, making its total height 1,776 feet. It would tower over several notable structures, including Chicago's Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) at 1,729 feet and the Empire State Building at 1,434 feet. It would reach the same height as the Freedom Tower in New York City, which also stands at 1,776 feet.

The record for the world's largest flagpole currently is held by Gharably Integrated Engineering Company in Cairo, Egypt. That flagpole reaches a height of just over 662 feet, according to Guinness World Records.

And while it may be the world's largest flagpole if completed, it won't reach quite as high as several other structures. At just over 2,700 feet tall, Burj Khalifa in Dubai has reigned as the world's tallest building since 2010. The Shanghai Tower is close behind at 2,073 feet.

According to organizers, Flagpole of Freedom Park could also be an economic boon for Washington County, which has experienced a population decline over the last several decades.

"We need a solution to reverse these trends or Washington County’s young people will continue to leave in search of meaningful work," state Sen. Marianne Moore said in a statement. "Flagpole of Freedom Park not only will honor our veteran-rich heritage but will create abundant opportunities for our area to thrive."