Flying an American flag half again larger than a football field, on a pole standing taller than the Empire State Building -- that is only part of the vision Morrill Worcester and his family have outlined for their planned $1 billion, 2,500-acre Flagpole of Freedom Park along Route 1 near Columbia Falls and the Acadia National Cemetery. Worcester, the founder of Wreaths Across America and owner of Worcester Wreath, County Concrete and Worcester Peat Co., aims to have the first phase ready for the public on July 4, 2026, celebrating America's 250th birthday. The park's mission is "building apolitical unity and pride for America."
      The central part of the proposed park complex, which would include a large venue for live events, hotels and restaurants, is the flagpole, which would be 1,461 feet tall. Why that number? Since it would sit on a 315-foot high hilltop, the top of the flagpole would be 1,776 feet above sea level, flying the first American flag in the continental U.S. to greet the sun each day. With two observation decks, one at 330 feet and the other located in a multi floor ball at the top, it would afford views over a 100 mile radius. The mammoth flag symbolizes "the commitment and sacrifice veterans make to protect America's freedom," according to backers of the project.
      The park's 55 Remembrance Parks will honor all 24 million deceased American veterans in one location, naming all who have served in the nation's defense from the Revolutionary War forward, listed by state and territory. Listings will be provided regardless of whether they died in combat. Six Halls of History museums will focus on key moments in the nation's wars and conflicts with immersive, tech-driven experiential learning. The project also calls for a 450-foot flagpole to honor the more than 93,500 U.S. service members still missing in action. The Village of Old Glory will be the park's entertainment center, with a 4,000-seat venue for live events, restaurants, hotels, museums and shops, with celebrations like the Fourth of July featuring a parade and sky shows every day. A gondola will take visitors from the village to the rest of the park.
      Morrill Worcester, together with his sons Mike and Rob, unveiled their plan in a 45-minute, live streamed press conference held in Augusta on March 29. The estimated cost to build the first phase of the for profit endeavor, according to descriptive material supplied by the group, is $1 billion, with an estimated 60% of the construction expenditures to be spent in Maine. By establishing for profit status, according to literature provided by the group, "we have the opportunity to partner with like minded service organizations, nonprofits and foundations to support their individual efforts and goals."

Honoring veterans
      Worcester got his start, according to the press material, when he, at the age of 12, won a trip to Washington, D.C., that included a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. That visit "sparked a lifetime of honoring U.S. veterans through his work." He founded the Worcester Wreath Company in 1983 and became the first mail order supplier of wreaths through L.L. Bean; in 1992 the company had a surplus that he transported to Arlington as a donation, beginning "a tradition the family quietly continued for over a decade." A press photographer's photo went viral, leading to the formation of the nonprofit Wreaths Across America wreath distribution program. "What started as 5,000 wreaths in 1992 has grown to more than 2,500,000 wreaths gracing headstones at over 3,100 locations across the globe annually." Permitting and fundraising
      Mike Worcester, in an interview, confirms that the permitting process is complex for the Flagpole of Freedom Park project, including requiring a permit from the Federal Aviation Administration. "The flagpole is right on the flight path," he says. "It'll need lights every 250 feet." The property, which totals 16 square miles, is currently in unorganized territory, but the group is working to have it annexed by Columbia Falls. A bill, LD 2011, which is now advancing in the legislature, would have residents of Columbia Falls vote on whether they want to annex the property, which is owned by Morrill Worcester. Land use zoning for the project then would fall under the town instead of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission.
      The economic benefits of the park are projected to include 12,800 jobs in the state, with 4,250 in the region, during the construction phase and 8,300 jobs statewide and 7,350 in the region when the park is open. It's also estimated that the park will generate $930 million in sales statewide after it is open, and annual state tax revenue is projected to be $27 million. The economic and visitation figures were done by third party, Economic Modeling Specialists International.
      Concerning how the park's apolitical approach squares with providing historical interpretation, particularly given today's polarized society, Mike Worcester comments, "We have thought long and hard about that question. We are not Republicans and we are not Democrats. We are relying on personal statements made by the people who experienced important events." He says that the intent is to help the viewer stand in the shoes of the historic figure so they can feel what they felt. "Then people can decide for themselves how they see it." Professional historians, including at the Library of Congress, have been consulted to help locate original source material. "We didn't think they'd talk to us," he notes, saying how surprised they were at the level of cooperation.
      As for how the project will raise $1 billion, Mike Worcester says the park's fundraising plans are largely based on subscribers becoming a park founder. These subscriptions range from $660 for individual founder to $1,800 for family founder. They entitle the holder to lifetime paid admission. Full subscription information is available on the organization's website, including the promise that construction would not begin until 25% of the amount needed has been received and that funds would be returned if funding falls short. For more information see . Worcester adds that many of the park's exhibits will be open to the public without charge, saying, "It would not be fair to charge someone to see their loved one's name on the wall." An estimated 18 million American veterans are alive today, with approximately 1.4 million currently serving.

Support offered
      During the March 29 press conference it was noted that Washington County, between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, lost 1,761 residents. "We need a solution to reverse these trends, or Washington County's young people will continue to leave in search of meaningful work," said State Senator Marianne Moore of Calais, addressing the audience. "Flagpole of Freedom Park not only will honor our veteran rich heritage but will create abundant opportunities for our area to thrive."
      Washington County Commissioner Chris Gardner said, "Washington County is fortunate to have such a national treasure in our backyard. Plans for this park celebrate the character of this county without changing it."
      "This is something we can all rally behind. It's not divisive. There are no parties, it really is just the symbol of unification," said Cathleen Pearl, executive director of the Military Women's Memorial.
      "This project is so impressive, it seems impossible," said Navy veteran Tricia Thurston, officer of Americanism for Maine's American Legion. "It puts Maine on the map as one of the most veteran rich states in America."
      Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, said, "The direct and indirect economic impact will be significant, particularly as Maine looks to expand year round tourism opportunities and build Maine's workforce." Tony Cameron of the Maine Tourism Association commented, "Something of this scale should bring many good paying jobs to the region."