Our ultimate goal is to create a destination that will serve as a powerful symbol of gratitude and respect for their unwavering dedication. We want it to be a place where the flag of the United States will stand tall and proud, representing the greatness of our country.  

We started off with a humble vision for this project, but it quickly grew as we met more brave military members, veterans, and Gold Star families along the way. As we heard their stories, we were moved by their courage and sacrifice, and we knew that their experiences needed to be shared with the next generation. We created the Flagpole of Freedom as a way to give back to these amazing individuals and their families who have given so much to their country.

Our family wanted to partner with other patriots and families to create the world's largest flagpole. We wanted to build a flagpole large enough that the first rays of light hit it at every sunrise, a destination where families can come to honor their military loved ones, and an interactive learning facility where children can learn through immersion. This is why the Founder's program was created to fund this project.

We guaranteed the return of any funds if the project did not take off after a year. When that year came and went, ALL funds were returned to the founding partners. We decided to reevaluate the scale of the project, but as a family, we still want to see a destination where families can go and honor their military loved ones and where Americans can take their families to learn about the service and sacrifices of our military members. 

On March 4, the local news incorrectly reported that the Worcester family left Columbia Falls with a legal bill of $122,600. This information is inaccurate.

When the discussion about annexation began with the town, we agreed to cover legal fees related specifically to the annexation process. We never agreed to pay for any other legal expenses.

During a selectboard meeting in July 2023, we informed the group that we were putting the project on hold and would not be responsible for any future bills. At that time, we settled the bill presented to us, totaling $28,291.

We were surprised to read defamatory headlines implying that we left the town with a substantial legal bill. The Selectboard, after consulting with their lawyer on Monday, March 11, confirmed that the news story was inaccurate. The legal bills obtained through a Freedom of Information Act included fees unrelated to the annexation. The town intends to request a retraction.

We aimed to collaborate with American companies that shared our values and recognized the advantages of running a business in the United States. Our goal was to provide employment opportunities to veterans and enable them to leverage their acquired skills from their service.

Our family takes great pride in running various businesses and owning land in Downeast, Maine. Our aim was never to commercialize the beauty of this area but to showcase it to the world. Throughout the design process, we placed utmost importance on preserving the natural beauty of the land, ensuring that all renderings aligned with its existing features. We are confident that our design is a testament to the magnificence of this land and its surroundings.

The project is currently on hold and our family is taking the time to reevaluate how we can best honor our military members and their families. It is important for us to clarify that our intentions were always to give back to the country and community that raised our children and to take pride in our little slice of heaven. We wanted our children to have the opportunity to be successful and return to enjoy a fulfilling career and life here. Downeast Maine is a place where you can grow roots and raise a family that builds character, hard work, and integrity. Our goal was to extend these opportunities to others.

Over the past 20 years we have come to understand the significance of teaching the younger generation about the value of freedom, as it is not enough to simply remember and honor it. We must show empathy and guide them toward a brighter future. The purpose of this park was to fulfill that very vision.

Sincerely,

The Worcester Family