A 150-foot-by-300-foot American flag at Hoover Dam was taken down for repairs on June 9 after a large rip along its red-and-white stripes, with patriotic lighting to continue through July 4. The Bureau of Reclamation had no repair-completion estimate as of Jun
The American flag that flies above Hoover Dam for major patriotic moments is coming down—just weeks before July 4.
The large flag hung for America 250 was temporarily removed for repairs, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. The flag—150 feet by 300 feet—was taken off the south-facing side of the dam the evening of Tuesday, June 9. Workers cited damage: a large rip along the red-and-white stripe section.
Even as the flag lowers, the dam’s nighttime patriotic show is staying in place. The Bureau of Reclamation said the patriotic lighting display at Hoover Dam will continue each evening through July 4. A large red, white and blue LED display illuminates the dam’s south-facing side as part of the America 250 celebration.
As of June 10, the Bureau of Reclamation did not have an estimate for when the repairs would be complete or when the flag would return.
Online, the removal has drawn a mix of reactions—many supporters focused on getting the flag back up. On Facebook, one user wrote, “Where’s Betsy Ross when you need her?” referencing Betsy Ross, who designed the American flag. Others wondered what would be required to paint an American flag on the dam’s south-facing side for a permanent installation.
The sequence is simple but pointed: the flag is off for repairs tied to visible damage. while the July 4 lighting plan continues unchanged through the holiday. For viewers. that leaves a clear question hanging in the background—how long the landmark will be without its full display as America 250 ramps toward Independence Day.
Hoover Dam American flag repairs Bureau of Reclamation America 250 July 4 LED display June 9 June 10