WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioThe biggest American flag in Ohio is flying proudly in Salem

The biggest American flag in Ohio is flying proudly in Salem

SALEM, Ohio - The largest flag in Ohio was raised today during a dedication ceremony at the new Kufleitner auto dealership in Salem.

The flag was a dream of the owner of Kufleitner Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, but the road to Saturday's raising and dedication was filled with road blocks.

Veterans helped Kufleitner with his fight for a variance so Salem zoning would allow the flag to be flown on a 130 foot pole.

"My father was a career military man. Some of my fondest memories are going to the port to meet him, and waiving my little flag. It represents everything we're about. I think it should be important to everyone. It sure is worth fighting for. There are people dying every day for it," said John Kufleitner.

"Nothing better than that American flag; it's the best thing I've ever seen," said Vietnam veteran Clarence Fields.

The flag weighs 92 pounds dry. The flag pole is 130 feet tall above the ground and sits a half foot below the ground. One hundred and twenty thousand pounds of concrete have been used to secure it.