"Raise the Flag" at Bernice Braden Park

The City of Cape Coral will officially "Raise the Flag" at a ceremony on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Bernice Braden Park , 2051 Cape Coral Parkway East. The event will celebrate the completion of the City's community-funded effort to build the tallest free‑standing American flagpole in Florida. City officials invite residents, veterans, community partners, and visitors to attend the ceremony and join in this patriotic milestone for the community. The event is open to the public, and no reservation is required to attend. The ceremony will culminate with the flag being raised for the first time, celebrating the public support that helped make the project possible. The 250-foot flagpole was created to honor America's 250th birthday and to stand as a lasting symbol of freedom, democracy, and unity in Cape Coral. Located at Bernice Braden Park at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge, the monument is intended to serve as a point of civic pride and a tribute to the values represented by the American flag. The "Raise the Flag" project began as an idea from City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn, who proposed a major patriotic landmark for Cape Coral to mark the nation's 250th year. The project was approved by City Council, and construction of the flagpole itself is being funded through private donations. Program Agenda: 1:45–2:20 p.m. – Guest arrival and refreshments 2:25 p.m. – Opening remarks Sponsor recognition and tribute video Speaker remarks Presentation of Colors and National Anthem Closing remarks and retirement of Colors Approximately 3:00 p.m. – Formal program concludes Please note: Program elements and times are subject to change.