Bejleri, a 21-year-old, initiated a campaign to raise a massive American flag on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This initiative, timed also with the FIFA World Cup in 2026, aims to bring international attention to the region. Bejleri was inspired by stories from older generations about celebrations during the bicentennial in 1976, where a similar flag was displayed, although it was later destroyed by strong winds. Councilmember Carr has expressed support for this initiative, formally requesting the MTA to participate.
"I was talking to some old-timers about how they drove to California for the bicentennial, and they mentioned a boat parade and the flag on the Verrazano-Narrows which sparked my interest to look into this story," Bejleri told the Brooklyn Eagle. "Then I realized that the 250th anniversary wasn't that far away so I wanted to start [the initiative] as soon as possible, which was in late March of 2025."
"During the 1976 Bicentennial celebration of America's founding, a large American flag was displayed across the suspension cables of the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge," Councilmember David Carr wrote. "Given that next year will be the 250th Anniversary of America's founding, we are respectfully requesting that the MTA do the same again. "The Narrows are the entry point for any vessel ent
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