The “Old Glory Tower,” the former New Bedford fire tower, is located off Routes 195 and 18 and is the site of the “Lights for Peace” flag which has been honoring veterans for the past 41 years.
On February 15, 1968 the City of New Bedford was the first to fly our nation’s flag from dusk to dawn, 24 hours a day with the Lights for Peace shining on her. The first “Lights for Peace” flag was flown at the New Bedford City Hall and the second flag flew at the Old Glory Tower. That was 41 years ago. Following the city’s lead, a flag was illuminated and flown at the Statehouse. In 1972, President Nixon proclaimed that a flag was to fly atop the White House and from every customs port of entry in the country. The Bancroft family, who owns the Old Glory Tower honors a different veteran with a new flag every month.
The late David Bancroft, along with the late Joseph Theodore, worked together for over 30 years honoring local veterans. Three years ago, after Mr. Bancroft’s passing, Mr. Theodore enlisted the help of Linda Ferreira, Marketing Director from Ashley Ford to research the life and history of each veteran honored and for Paul Neary, GM of Ashley Ford to raise the flag each month. Linda Rodriques from the Standard-Times continues to write the story dedications each month which is published in the Standard-Times. Today 443 flags have been flown at the tower.
If you would like to honor a veteran as an immemorial by flying a flag at the Old Glory Tower, please contact Linda Ferreira at Ashley Ford Sales at 866-956-8588 or marketing@ashleyfordsales.com .
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