Jack Miller
‘Flags Flying Across America’ is a project organized by PebbleCreek (PC) resident Bill Matteucci, a Navy veteran. Bill strongly believes the flag represents the entire American family. His project is motivated by the words, “I stand for peace, truth, honor, and justice. I stand for freedom,” from Vann Morris’s Old Glory, a tribute to the flag.
In 2021, Bill researched an easy way for PC residents to fly a flag to show their love and respect for America, which has provided so much opportunity for his generation.
One day, he said to Sandee, his wife, “I want to install flags on golf carts.” She asked, “Why golf carts?” Bill responded, “In contrast to flags on poles and homes, most PC residents own a cart, and the flags are more visible because they are always waving.”
The project began with Sandee becoming the cheerleader and Bill the worker bee. First, he installed flags on carts belonging to a handful of friends. They all insisted on paying for the flag, and most gave Bill more than the cost of the flag materials. So he searched for the best way to donate the leftover money.
After researching several organizations, Bill and Sandee selected the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org). T2T honors Stephen Sillers, a fireman killed in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Ninety-four percent of T2T donations go toward programs that benefit first responders, including paying off mortgages and helping with the medical bills of fallen law enforcement officers, veterans, and firefighters.
Word of the project spread, and Bill became busy shopping for flags, flagpoles, and the materials used to build and install the flag on golf carts. Because each cart manufacturer requires a different setup, some installations take only 15 minutes, and others require more than 2 hours.
Although significant time is spent procuring supplies, attaching the flag to the pole, and installing each one, the project remains Bill’s top priority. He spends much of his time in the garage working to improve quality and streamline the project. Once, Sandee found him happily working in the garage at 2:30 a.m.
Initially, Bill thought he might be lucky to install 50 flags overall and send a few hundred dollars to T2T. But he’s been overwhelmed by the interest in his project. He has installed over 335 flags, and PebbleCreek cart owners’ donation to T2T has surpassed $10,000. Bill wants to continue to donate, and he hopes someday to have at least 1,000 flags flying across the PebbleCreek community!
After receiving a new flag, someone recently commented, “Thank you so much, Bill. Your contributions to the foundation are a true testament to those who have served and are serving!”
For more information or to make a flag installation appointment, you can email Bill at [email protected]. Please put “Flag” in the subject line. Bill and Sandee welcome the opportunity to meet PC residents. Their project has introduced them to more than 250 new acquaintances and friends!