In The Spirit

New Spirit Park Honoring Veterans Opens at National Harbor

  National Harbor unveiled its latest attraction designed to honor veterans, first responders, public servants and Americans across the U.S. Named the Spirit Park, it will feature a 50 by 80-foot custom-made flag on a flag pole that is 177 feet 7 inches tall and is also the largest American flag flying in the country. It will be surrounded by 13 smaller flags (representing the original U.S. colonies). Spirit Park will host everything from military concerts, history lectures, military events, to private veteran and general public events. The park officially opened on November 11.

  Many elements of the park pay homage to the flag’s signature features, as well as incorporate American themes throughout. Spirit Park is based on the development of a patriotic, educational and moving tribute to the flag.  The park is 1.776 acres and includes an amphitheater with six rows of seating and a 50-foot round stage representing the 50 states. A 17-foot, seventy-seven inch (17.77) bell tower is erected in the park welcoming guests. Union Tower will ring daily and mark significant occasions with patriotic songs of history.

  Spirit Park also contains sculptures including American Bison, created by John Lopez. Based in South Dakota, Lopez has created a six-and-a-half-foot tall Bison bull weighing approximately 1,000 lbs., a six foot tall Bison cow and a three foot tall calf. Sculptures of Presidents Eisenhower and Franklin D. Roosevelt, both created by Ivan Schwartz with StudioEIS are also part of Spirit Park.