By Ethan Faverino |
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers stood on the grounds of the Arizona State Capitol and watched the final hoisting of a remarkable American flag. This same flag, over the past seven years, has been proudly flown above every state capitol in the United States, along with the nation’s capital, and U.S. territory Puerto Rico.
With the Arizona raising, Mayor Weiers officially completed “The Great American Flag Tour”, a personal mission to fly one locally made flag at all 50 state capitols as the nation approaches its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
“What a journey,” said Mayor Weiers. “The patriotism across our great nation is still alive in every state. This flag is a symbol of unity – recognizing we are 50 States, 1 Nation!”
The flag was hand-sewn in Arizona by Joe Cicero and his team at a Phoenix-based flag manufacturer that produces approximately 10,000 flags annually. Cicero called this particular flag “pretty special because it has touched every capitol in the entire country.”
“Although we live in different places, come from different backgrounds, sometimes speak different languages, and worship in different ways, we are all Americans,” said Mayor Weiers. As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, let us not just mark a date, but instead let us renew our commitment to liberty, to justice, to equality, and to being one nation under God.”
The seven-year journey saw Mayor Weiers personally carry the flag to 49 states before returning home to Arizona for the ceremonial finale. Along the way, the flag was raised in honor of America’s history, its promising future, and especially its veterans.
With the tour now complete, Mayor Weiers plans to create an exhibit featuring the flag and its story. Arizona cities and organizations will be able to request the display for patriotic events.
He also hopes the flag will be considered for temporary exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., during the national 250-year celebration in 2026, with a potential permanent home afterward at the Arizona Capitol Museum.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
