Massive American flag in downtown Ogden flying for Pioneer Day taken down

OGDEN — A massive American flag was on display in the streets of Ogden. The 30-by-60-foot flag hung between two buildings downtown.

The flag hung in downtown Ogden on Washington Blvd and 24th Street is roughly the length of a bowling alley, or in baseball terms, from home plate to the pitcher’s mound.

It was up so people could feel a patriotic spirit during Pioneer Day, and it came down on Friday morning.

The size of the flag is important because it’s a smaller flag that’s part of a larger set with the Major Brent Taylor Foundation, responsible for the even more gigantic flag called “The Major,” previously flying in Ogden’s Cold Water Canyon.

Giant flag ‘The Major’ to be retired after storm damage

The one downtown is nicknamed “The Lieutenant”, and can fit inside the star field of The Major. Brent Taylor’s widow, Jennie Taylor, believes seeing the American flag is unifying, and hopes it starts a conversation.

“We hope it ignites some patriotism inside, a feeling of duty, responsibility, and country, and I think that’s what makes it such a beautiful thing to do, display something so visible, that hopefully stirs something so personal,” said Jennie Taylor, Major Brent Taylor Foundation Executive Director.

For her, these flags have been personal; it’s nearly been seven years since her late husband, North Ogden Mayor, Brent Taylor, was killed in action in Afghanistan.

She said their kids used to always see American flags and say that was daddy’s flag, because he wore it on his uniform.

Jennie Taylor said she plans to have The Lieutenant back up in downtown Ogden for Pioneer Day next year, and will unfurl a new gigantic flag, the same size as The Major, in Ogden’s Cold Water Canyon for Veterans Day.