Cape Coral Navy veteran proposed one tribute to America that has patriots cheering

A Navy veteran in Florida just came up with the perfect way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

And it’s going to be impossible to miss.

But a Cape Coral Navy veteran proposed one tribute to America that has patriots cheering.

Florida city eyes record-breaking patriotic display

Cape Coral City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn wants to give America the birthday present it deserves.

The Navy veteran is proposing to build Florida’s tallest flagpole – a massive 250-foot tower that would fly a 90-by-150-foot American flag.

That’s roughly the size of a single-family home lot.

The timing isn’t coincidental.

Ilczyszyn wants the project completed by July 4, 2026, to commemorate America’s 250th birthday.

“When I learned that I was going to be the city manager to sit in the seat for the 250th anniversary of our country, and started to put together that program of ideas, I thought, ‘this is the time,’” Ilczyszyn told local media.¹

The proposed flagpole would be located at Bernice Braden Park and would tower 43 feet higher than Florida’s current tallest flag.

And here’s the best part – it won’t cost taxpayers a dime.

The entire $300,000 project would be funded through community donations and fundraising efforts.

“It is not in the city manager’s proposed budget. The council is not funding it. I wanted to bring the discussion back to the community,” Ilczyszyn explained.²

The flag would be visible to drivers, boaters, and even airline passengers flying in and out of Southwest Florida International Airport.

Ilczyszyn said the inspiration came from a memory that stuck with him for decades.

“The idea came from a flag I saw when I was in the military when I was 18 years old in the Caribbean passing along the coast of Mexico – a giant flag that made an impression on me,” he recalled.³

Veterans rally behind patriotic vision

Retired Air Force Command Chief and current American Legion Post 90 Commander Lisa Arnold is backing the ambitious project.

She understands what the flag really represents.

“The flag does not wave by the air,” Arnold said. “It waves from the breath of the men and women who have given their lives for this country.”⁴

The proposal would create what Ilczyszyn calls “an impression that is unforgettable” for anyone who sees it.

And it’s generating exactly the kind of community conversation you’d hope for.

Local homeowner Roy Johnson supports the patriotic display.

“We would be honored to have an American flag that everyone can see, I mean we’re in the USA, this is where we want the flag to be noticed,” Johnson told reporters.⁵

But not everyone is on board with the massive flag project.

“I think there’s other priorities besides a flag,” said Bill Seaman, another South Cape homeowner. “The people on the road have enough to look at besides a flag.”⁶

Perfect timing for America’s milestone moment

Look, this is exactly what America needs right now.

A Navy veteran who understands what service means is proposing to build a monument to American greatness that would be funded entirely by patriotic citizens who want to celebrate their country.

No government mandates, no taxpayer money, just Americans who love their flag and want the world to see it.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect either.

America’s 250th birthday deserves something special, and a 250-foot flagpole flying Old Glory is about as special as it gets.

Compare that to the woke museums and institutions that want to tear down American symbols instead of celebrating them.

While President Trump is working to restore patriotic displays at the Smithsonian and remove divisive content, regular Americans like Ilczyszyn are stepping up to build new monuments to American greatness.

The fact that this comes from a veteran makes it even more meaningful.

These are the people who actually understand what the flag represents – not the professional protesters who want to burn it, but the men and women who’ve served under it.

And the community funding approach is brilliant.

Instead of forcing taxpayers to fund the project, they’re asking patriotic Americans to voluntarily contribute to something that celebrates the values they believe in.

That’s how America is supposed to work.

The project is still in the early stages, but the conversation has already started.

Cape Coral could soon be home to a landmark that would make every patriotic American proud – a 250-foot testament to American greatness that would be visible for miles in every direction.

America’s 250th birthday is just around the corner, and Cape Coral is ready to celebrate it in style.

¹ Jackie Guenther, “Cape Coral city manager plans to install Florida’s tallest American flag,” WPBF, Aug. 19, 2025.

² Bella Line, “Cape Coral aims for sky-high patriotism with Florida’s tallest flag proposal,” FOX 4, Aug. 19, 2025.

³ Meghan Bradbury, “City manager wants to go big for U.S. anniversary,” Breeze Newspapers, Aug. 19, 2025.

⁴ Guenther, “Cape Coral city manager plans to install Florida’s tallest American flag.”

⁵ Line, “Cape Coral aims for sky-high patriotism with Florida’s tallest flag proposal.”

⁶ Ibid.