SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -
A mural of the American flag on a Saginaw street corner was a symbol of pride. For more than 10 years, the stars and stripes decorated a building at the Gratiot and Michigan.
Over the years, the flag became worn, and like any real flag the time came to retire it. Now an effort is under way to raise funds to paint a new flag mural.
Woody Wilson came up with the idea to paint a flag on the building a few days after the Sept. 11 attacks. A few months later, in December 2001 that dream became a reality. Wilson and some volunteers painted the American flag on both sides of the building.
This time around, Wilson enlisted the help of local mural artist Eric Schantz. His vision includes painting a more realistic flag that wraps around the entire structure.
"I want to see that painting be brought back to life, to be given a chance to bring back such an iconic building in Saginaw it's a great honor to be to be able to do something this visible that so many people see," said Schantz.
Now the building has a new coat of primer, hopefully it will soon showcase a new flag.
Wilson is trying to raise funds to help with the cost. He expects the project will need about $2,500.
Copyright 2012 WNEM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
