Today is the first day of July 2018, my name is Tom Heath and you’re listening to “Life Along the Streetcar”. This week- the story behind a no longer empty flagpole and you’re chance to find Waldo, right here in Tucson.
Exiting I-10 and heading east on 6th street, you can’t help but notice the mural of an Agave Princess colorfully and masterfully painted on the side of one of Tucson’s iconic buildings, which now houses the Benjamin Plumbing showroom. The mural’s artist, Rock Martinez, has said of his work ” I hope that mine is perceived as beautification and cultural preservation in Tucson. I’m just trying to share that, we’re all connected as one.”
It’s an important building because of its history and location. It has ties to one of Tucson’s most famous architects, Josias Joesler and when the aviation highway downtown links project is eventually completed this corridor will serve as the first glimpse many will have of our community.
Before the 2,700 square foot portrait was painted, another Tucson activist sought to send a unifying message through this historic structure. With the help of Mark Berman, co-owner of the building and Benjamins Plumbing, Charles Foley unfurled an American Flag atop the Tucson Warehouse and Transfer Company. It was June 14th 2014- Flag Day and it was the start of his mission to present every empty flag pole owner with an opportunity to once again fly the stars and stripes.
Foley is a decorated Tucson Police Officer who comes from a long line of law enforcement and military. Inspired by a friend’s philanthropy and support of veteran’s causes, Foley decided to leave a legacy of his own. He noticed in his daily tours of the city, we had a lot of empty flag poles and began to wonder why. He found most to be an issue of cost or supplies so he created an organization to overcome those challenges. Flags for the Flagless is a 501c non-profit organization with no staff, low overhead and a mission to spread love of country through the symbol of our flag.
He began his work over 4 years ago and has seen a change in attitude for our flag but Foley is clear that his intention transcends politics. He means to re-affirm the flag as a symbol of unification and not one of partisan divide.
As we roll into the July 4th celebration we see flags flying all over downtown and they are there because of Flags for the Flagless. We sat down with Charley and learned more about his mission and impact.
In this extended interview, Foley provides a deeper look into why, as a public servant and first responder, he felt he should be giving back more. He talks of his friend in San Diego, Donny Edwards a former NFL star, who inspired him and ways Flags for Flagless have impacted so many lives already. You’ll hear how he arranged for the UofA, at all home football games, to fly the casket flags of local families who have lost a loved one. He has found an anonymous donor to provide a flag for every classroom in Tucson. All you have to do is reach out to Flags for the Flagless and let them know. Charley will deliver the flag.
They also have spread to the effort to San Diego and teamed with other local organizations to put flags on the graves of our deceased veterans for Memorial Day.
A simple observation of an empty flag pole has created a momentum with a unifying theme and I hope you take a moment to check out their efforts.
