PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — 240 years have passed since pioneers in Pittsburgh hoisted a brand new American flag above Fort Pitt.
Mike Burke of the Fort Pitt Museum, next door to the Fort Pitt Block House, said, “We’re going to take down the British flag, the red ensign that would have flown over Fort Pitt during the years prior to the American Revolution, and raise up the new flag of the thirteen united colonies.”READ MORE: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Nursing Home Deaths Fueling Blame
A 36-foot replica of the first star spangled banner was about to be raised. Girl Scouts held the folded colonial flag, as the British flag was taken down. Unfurling a flag 36-feet long size required a group effort.
The Girl Scouts got some help from more than 100 spectators.
“I helped hold the flag when it was in a triangle, and then helped keep it off the ground,” one Scout said.'The Neighborhood Jewel': Community Fights To Save St. Philip School In Crafton From Closing
As in colonial times, this flag had thirteen stars, one for each colony.
“Raising a flag its like talking about our country,” a Girl Scout said.
“It was a cool thing to raise the flag and honor America in this way,” another added.
Girl Scouts turned the crank, and the flag neared its peak, to the applause of the crowd.MORE NEWS: Pa. Sen. Bob Casey Sponsors Bill To Protect Children From Falling Furniture
“It felt great because we won the war,” a Girl Scout concluded.