The committee formed in 1975 when the bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark.  To honor its historical significance the committee received approval from the Commonwealth of Kentucky (bridge owner) to privately fund the flying of our national and state flags atop the bridge towers.  The proposal was approved on the condition that the committee assumes full responsibility for installation and maintenance of the facilities necessary to sustain flying the flags in a continuing basis.

Led by Ed Wimmer Sr., the committee incorporated in Kentucky as a non-profit organization dedicated to general purpose of preserving and enhancing the bridge and for the specific purpose of the flag program.  Led by Julia Langsam and Ben Bernstein, the corporate charter was amended in 1984 to include the installation, maintenance and continued operation of the bridge beautification lighting.

Organization

The Committee is a totally volunteer organization of local citizens.

Officers are elected by a Board of Directors for two-year terms. The Board is composed of nine members who serve three-year terms. These terms are staggered so that the terms of three directors end each year. The Board meets at least four times each year.

Annual events have included an Ohio River boat ride on the weekend nearest Flag Day in June, and a holiday party in December. In 2003, the boat ride was a dinner cruise aboard the historic P.A. Denny riverboat during Tall Stacks in October.

Finances

The Committee’s activities are underwritten by membership dues and donations.  Membership dues are intended to cover member services, administrative costs, and sponsorship of public and school programs.  Donations are used exclusively to sustain the flag and lighting activities at thecurrent annualized cost of $20,000; this includes an annual set aside in a reserve fund to cover major replacement costs on a ten to fifteen year basis.