From the Beginning - 1984
As we commemorated the 100th Anniversary of our great city on July 4, 1984, the dream of the Make America Better Committee of the Great Falls Board of REALTORS® came true. After nearly two years and countless volunteer hours, over $25,000 in cash plus twice that amount in donated labor and materials, was raised from every segment of the community. From the citizens and the Montana Air National Guard, support was overwhelming! It became not only the committee's dream but the community's dream.
Early on that Independence Day morning, thousands of citizens joined together to witness a most memorable event. Situated on the top on a knoll overlooking the beautiful Missouri River in the heart of our city, the specially engineered 120' flagstaff, as tall as a 10 story building, stood ready. The President of the Great Falls Association of REALTORS® introduced many honored guests from near and far who joined in the celebration - the officers of the Montana Association of REALTORS®, the mayor of our city, the lieutenant governor of Montana, our congressional delegation, Montana legislators, representatives of all the armed services and civic groups, even Uncle Sam himself. All reminded us of our unending pride in this great land and our privilege in honoring this beautiful symbol of our heritage.
As the giant flag unrolled, with forty-two attendants at its sides, a hush fell over the crowd. The moment we had all awaited was here. Through many tears of pride and love, this incredible dream was unfurled. Old Glory was raised! Through the sounds of our National Anthem we heard the thunder of the magnificent F-106s of the Montana Air National Guard. In an electrifying moment, they roared overhead followed by a one hundred gun salute from the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
In keeping with our promise to the city commissioners and the citizens of Great Falls that their flag would never require tax support, the Great Falls Association of REALTORS® conducts a fund drive through a bill insert in the Energy West bills. We also sell Flag prints and note cards from various local artists. Every year on Flag Day, the 14th of June, we hold a ceremony honoring Old Glory at Overlook Park.
God Bless America!
