Raise it: Pittsburgh Fort Pitt Museum hosting 'Fourth at the Fort' flag ceremony
The flag is so massive that drivers can see it as they exit the Fort Pitt Tunnel cruising into the city of Pittsburgh.
Look for it on Sunday.
The 20-by-36 Garrison flag is the largest one flown by the U.S. Army. It’s displayed on holidays and at special events. The flag will be raised on Sunday.
The Fort Pitt Museum in Downtown Pittsburgh will host its annual “Fourth at the Fort” festivities in Point State Park.
“When you see that flag being hoisted it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up,” said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the Senator John Heinz History Center in the Strip District, which operates the Fort Pitt Museum. “Seeing that giant flag catching the breeze and flying over Point State Park is breathtaking.”
It requires 20 people to help position and raise the 13-star flag.
The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. The event is free.
It’s being held in partnership with the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, owners of the Fort Pitt Block House, the oldest building in the region, according to the history center.
Visitors also can throw tomahawks from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $5 for five minutes of throwing.
Reenactors will showcase 18th-century life at Fort Pitt.
“We invite everyone to come and grab a hold of Old Glory,” Masich said. “It’s a time to remember the veterans who sacrificed so much for our freedom in this nation ‘Of the People, By the People, For the People.’ ”
Veterans receive free admission to the Fort Pitt Museum on Sunday courtesy of Fort Pitt Capital Group. The Green Tree-based company teamed with the museums and 96.9 BOB FM to recognize veteran-owned businesses in Allegheny County.
The “Operation: Support Veteran Owned Business” promotion highlights veterans. They’ve been sharing their stories with BOB FM disc jockey Steve Rohan. Some of them will attend the flag-raising event.
Fort Pitt Capital Group has always supported veterans, said Ed Lettieri, the company’s senior vice president. They’ve helped servicemen and women transition from military to civilian life.
He said being able to gather again safely on Independence Day is a way to honor all veterans.
“To see the flag unfurled, and the reenactors, those are patriotic moments,” Lettieri said. “We believe in our veterans, and if we can do something to help them we will do it. In our business we help people reach their money goals. But without our freedom which we have because of our veterans, we would not be able to what we do.”
Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4.50 for students and children ages 6-17, and free for members, and free for children age 5 and under.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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