Ground Zero Flag Called National DISGRACE

A patriotic artist is demanding Ground Zero finally receive a massive permanent American flag worthy of the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, rejecting the current small display as an insult to those who sacrificed everything.

Story Snapshot

Scott LoBaido launched a petition for a 150-foot flagpole with a 30-by-60-foot American flag at Ground Zero to honor 9/11 victims and first responders
Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World, pledged to fully fund the installation ahead of the 25th anniversary of September 11 and America’s 250th birthday
The petition has gathered over 67,000 signatures, including support from families of firefighters and police officers killed in the attacks
Private citizens are bypassing government bureaucracy to establish a permanent symbol of American resolve at the nation’s most sacred memorial site

Private Citizens Lead Where Government Failed

New York artist Scott LoBaido initiated a petition on January 7, 2026, calling for a permanent 150-foot flagpole with a massive 30-by-60-foot American flag at Ground Zero near the Freedom Tower. The current flag display at the 9/11 Memorial remains small and barely noticeable, a symbolic failure that critics argue dishonors the 2,977 victims who perished in the terrorist attacks, including hundreds of first responders. LoBaido’s petition declares Americans should never be ashamed to display Old Glory proudly, especially at a site where heroes gave their lives defending this nation. The proposal gained immediate momentum when Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World and host of “The Profit,” pledged to fund the entire project without taxpayer dollars.

Timing Aligns with Critical National Milestones

The push for a towering flag comes as America approaches two historic anniversaries in 2026: the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4. LoBaido and supporters argue that Ground Zero, now home to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and One World Trade Center, deserves a bold symbol of American strength and unity visible daily to residents and visitors. The current memorial emphasizes quiet reflection, but younger generations who never witnessed the attacks may lose connection to that defining moment without powerful reminders. Over 67,196 Americans have signed the petition, with 1,380 signatures added in a single recent day, demonstrating grassroots hunger for unapologetic patriotic displays at sacred sites.

Families and Patriots Demand Proper Honor

Petition supporters include family members of fallen firefighters and police officers who rushed into the Twin Towers on that terrible morning. Their testimonials emphasize that a massive flag installation would provide irreplaceable symbolism for those who did not experience 9/11 firsthand, ensuring future generations understand the gravity of what happened. LoBaido, known for patriotic artwork across the country, insists this monument represents strength, unity, and resilience rather than politics. The initiative bypasses typical government red tape by relying on private funding and public pressure directed at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages the World Trade Center site. No official response from site managers has been reported, leaving the proposal in advocacy phase despite overwhelming public support.

Breaking Through Bureaucratic Resistance

The proposed flag would stand as a permanent testament to American resolve, contrasting sharply with the perceived institutional neglect that left Ground Zero without a dominant patriotic symbol for nearly 25 years. Private action from LoBaido and Lemonis reflects frustration with government priorities that often sideline bold displays of national pride. This effort sets a precedent for citizen-driven enhancements to public memorials when officials fail to act. Supporters view the flag not as radical but as fundamentally American, a common-sense tribute at ground sacred to every patriot. The petition remains active on Change.org, building momentum toward installation before the September anniversary, though structural and zoning approvals from Port Authority executives and NYC officials remain uncertain.