Philadelphia Unveils Another Historic American Flag; Painted For City’s Mural Arts Program To Commemorate September 11th Events

Furniture World Magazine

Philadelphia, birthplace of "Old Glory" in 1776, will unveil a second historic American flag -- one of the largest ever displayed anywhere in the nation -- in special ceremonies today to commemorate the events of September 11th. Covering the entire outer wall of a cold storage warehouse at Delaware Avenue and Spring Garden Streets facing Interstate 95, the gigantic artwork was painted by well-known local artist Meg Saligman and two associates as a powerful patriotic statement on behalf of the city’s population. The unfurled flag fills over 6,000 square feet (150' x50'), representing early, unofficial estimates of the number of victims of the September 11th terrorist attack. Created under the auspices of the Philadelphia Department of Recreation’s Mural Arts Program, the mural was completed with a major assist from corporate sponsor, the Sherwin-Williams Company. The company supplied a large quantity of red, white, and blue custom-mixed paints after experimenting with hundreds of colors to obtain the exact shades of red, white, and blue requested by the muralists. Sherwin-Williams Chairman and CEO Christopher M. Connor, heading a delegation from the company that joined many local dignitaries including Mayor John F. Street, commented: "It is fitting that this heroically-proportioned and truly magnificent artistic rendering of the Stars and Stripes has been created in the city where the United States of America’s independence and freedom were first proclaimed. The American flag has become a rallying point for a nation bound together by love of country in the face of tragedy and adversity. We are proud to be associated with the city of Philadelphia, its gifted artists, and this extraordinary expression of their talents in this inspiring undertaking." The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, which also underwrites an extensive youth art education program, was originally created in 1984 by Mayor Wilson Goode to address the city’s growing graffiti problem. With over 2,000 murals now on display, Philadelphia is nationally recognized as a leader in the municipal mural arts movement that has not only beautified the city, but also changed the lives of many young people. Other Sherwin-Williams executives attending the flag unveiling include: Conway G. Ivy, vice president, corporate planning and development; and, from the company’s Eastern Division, Tom Brummett, president and general manager; Bob Brophy, director, wholesale marketing (who worked closely with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation); Mark Sposito, vice president, marketing; Rob Schuster, vice president, sales; Don Katen, vice president, human resources; and Tom Tolento, Philadelphia district manager.