World’s largest American flag flown over Hoboken in honor of Independence Day

A 5-story American flag hot-air balloon inflated at Stevens Institute of Technology was saluted today in anticipation of Independence Day tomorrow.

The stars and stripes hung over the DeBaun Athletic Field for a couple of hours starting at 7 a.m. At 53 feet tall, 78 feet wide and a depth of 29 feet, and requiring 30 million BTUs of propane to be fully inflated, the balloon claims the title of the world’s largest free-flying American flag.

The American Flag hot air balloon was created following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and has been inflated every year since 2002.

While balloon pilot Barry DiLibero gave periodic blasts with the burners to keep the balloon inflated, roughly five people controlled the balloon using tethers.

The event is sponsored by the Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning and PNC Bank.

The 31st annual Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning takes place July 26-28 at Solberg Airport in Readington and features 100 sport and special-shape balloons from around the world. The event includes a music festival with bands including REO Speedwagon, Blues Traveler, Big & Rich and Ross Lynch.

“We are here to salute the American flag and what better way than inflating the world’s largest American flag balloon, our signature balloon,” said festival executive producer, Howard Freeman.

The balloon is not flown freely because of difficulties getting flight clearance near New York City, Freeman said.

via – NJ.com.