The flag flying over the Hippodrome State Theatre will continue to wave in the future thanks to a sponsorship by Gainesville's American Legion Auxiliary Unit 16.
The group will provide a new flag about every six months with no end in sight, according to Unit 16 president Carolyn Badamo.
Flags cost about $40 each, Badamo said, and will hang in the current lighted spot at the top of the theater, which is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.
The flag represents patriotism and respect for veterans, she said.
"We believe in red, white and blue," she said. "By flying your flag, it means you believe in the veterans in America."
Badamo said she hopes when people see the flag raised above the theater they will think about the veterans.
"If it wasn't for them," she said, "we wouldn't have the freedom we have today."
Unit 16, a nonprofit veterans organization, also sponsors other flags around the community, including the one on the Ronald McDonald House of Gainesville.
"We give back to the community," Badamo said. "That's what we do."
Jessica Thompson, Hippodrome spokeswoman, said the flag improves the theater's appearance.
"My favorite photos of the Hippodrome are the ones where the flag is blowing in the wind," she said.
A ceremony will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Hippodrome, 25 S.E. Second Place, to dedicate the new flag.
