General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Hosts Flag Raising to Complete BeautifI-65 Project
An initiative to instill patriotism and draw in travelers
BOWLING GREEN, KY– A sense of patriotism filled the air as General Motors marked the completion of the BeautifI-65 Project with a flag raising ceremony. The project is a beautification initiative aimed at promoting economic growth, tourism, and showcasing Bowling Green’s patriotic spirit.
The “BeautifI-65” Project
“We call this project ‘BeautifI-65’ because it aims to enhance 10 1/2 miles of I-65,” said Chairman of Operation PRIDE and Former Mayor, Johnny Webb. “This route, stretching 1100 miles from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, has nothing like it. What we have here in Bowling Green is truly unique.”
Every day, approximately 65,000 cars pass through the city via I-65. The 130-foot-tall American flags installed along the interstate in front of significant businesses are meant to inspire patriotism and draw in travelers.
A Beacon of Patriotism
Ray Theriault, Plant Director of General Motors Bowling Green Assembly, stated, “Nothing exemplifies Bowling Green or the USA more than a giant American flag flying in front of a Corvette plant”.
Privately Funded Project
The entire project is sponsored by Operation PRIDE and is completely privately funded. “All the money we’ve raised here, about five and a half million dollars, came from individuals and small businesses, not a single penny of taxpayer money has been used in this beautification along the I-65. We are indeed proud,” Webb said.
Flag Raising Ceremony
The flag-raising event took place in front of the General Motors Assembly’s administration building. Workers from the plant gathered to watch the ceremony, which included the “Pledge of Allegiance,” and a soul-stirring rendition of “Taps” was performed on the bugle by a retired veteran, Malcolm Cherry.
Chairman Webb indicated that the project is not yet finished. The plan is to install a total of nine these flags along the interstate, contributing to a visually striking and patriotic corridor.
