Founder of Wreaths Across America unveils plans for world tallest flagpole for Downeast Maine

COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine (WABI) - The founder of Wreaths Across America has unveiled plans for the creation of Flagpole of Freedom Park and the building of the world’s tallest flagpole.

A whole lot more is planned for the park in Columbia Falls.

The Flagpole of Freedom Park in Columbia Falls will become the only place in the country to honor all 24 million American veterans in one location, symbolizing the commitment and sacrifice veterans make to protect America’s freedom.

“We love the country, and that’s why we want to do this. So, I apologize for being a little emotional. It’s a tremendous amount of work and effort that’s gone into this,” said Morrill Worcester, Wreaths Across America founder and director.

The flagpole itself will be 1,461 feet tall. Between that and the hill it’s built on, the flagpole will reach 1,776 feet above sea level, making it stand taller than the Empire State Building, with two observation decks including one at the very top.

The flag will be about the size of one-and-a-half football fields.

Around the pole will be 55 individual remembrance-wall parks with the names of every single veteran in United States history etched in them.

The entry to the park will be a village known as “Village of Old Glory,” with restaurants, shops, hotels and a 4,000 seat venue for live events.

“The Flagpole of Freedom Park will open the opportunity for workforce development in Washington County, infrastructure investment in the area, and increased revenues for the state. Always a win-win situation,” said Sen. Marianne Moore, R-Washington.

“It does celebrate who we are, but it doesn’t change it. It builds upon the landscape that we have and doesn’t ask us to have to modify it greatly. It simply amplifies it,” said Chris Gardner, chairman of the county commissioners.

There’s one other feature said to make the centerpiece of Flagpole of Freedom Park an essential necessity.

“What makes it important, I think, is that it’s right in the flight path of the planes that go back and forth overseas. This pole is going to be flying the last flag that they’ll see. And also, it’s the first flag they’ll see when they come home,” said Morrill Worcester, Wreaths Across America founder.

The project will need to go through an approval process that will involve local and federal agencies.

Phase one of the project is scheduled to open on July 4, 2026 which will be America’s 250th birthday.

For more information or to get involved with the project, visit flagpoleoffreedom.com.

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