Why Great Projects Are Built in Phases

Stand beneath any great American monument and you'll feel like it has always been there, timeless and unshakable. But every one of them started as an idea, a plan, and a first small step taken by people who believed in something bigger than themselves.

Big Dreams Need Sturdy Foundations

A 700-foot monument honoring the American flag is not something anyone builds overnight. It takes careful engineering, thoughtful planning, and a foundation strong enough to hold something that will stand for generations.

That's why Old Glory Rising is being built in phases. Each phase lays the groundwork, literally and figuratively, for the one that follows.

Trust Is Earned One Step at a Time

When you invest in something meant to last a hundred years, you deserve to see steady, honest progress along the way. Building in phases lets our community watch the project grow, brick by brick and milestone by milestone, rather than asking for blind faith in a single leap.

A monument built to honor trust and sacrifice should itself be built with transparency and care.

This approach also allows us to be responsible stewards of every gift given, ensuring resources are used wisely as momentum builds.

What Phase One Looks Like

Our current focus is Phase 1, with a goal of $2 million. This early phase is essential groundwork for a project with a full estimated cost of approximately $51 million.

• Site planning and preparation for the monument grounds
• Engineering and design work for the 700-foot flag structure
• Community engagement and outreach across Southwest Missouri
• Early development of the gathering grounds and community center vision

Every commemorative brick, purchased for $250, helps carry us toward this first milestone while creating a lasting piece of the monument's story.

Patience Reflects Reverence

The American flag represents sacrifices made over generations, not overnight. It only feels right that a monument built in its honor reflects that same patience and reverence.

Southwest Missouri and the Ozarks have long been home to people who understand hard work, dedication, and doing things the right way. This project is being built in that same spirit.

Building Something for Everyone

Phases also mean that families, veterans, and neighbors across our region can be part of the journey from the very beginning, not just the ribbon-cutting. Every gift, every brick, and every shared story adds another layer to something meant to stand for future generations.

As our nonprofit status is finalized, gifts made now are treated as expressions of support, with tax-deductibility applying once that status is complete. We're grateful for every hand that helps lift this vision skyward.

Old Glory Rising is more than a monument — it's a promise being built one faithful step at a time. Learn More