Res 0556-2026

Res. No. 556 ..Title Resolution to recognize, commend, and support the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's planned display of the American flag on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and to encourage similar commemorative initiatives associated with the Semiquincentennial ..Body By Council Members Morano, Carr, Louis, Hanks and Vernikov Whereas, The year 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, known as the Semiquincentennial, a historic milestone of national significance; and Whereas, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority ("MTA") owns and operates the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, one of the most iconic and heavily traveled bridges in the United States; and Whereas, The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge serves as a symbolic gateway to Staten Island and Brooklyn and is viewed by millions of residents, commuters, and visitors each year; and Whereas, To commemorate the nation's Semiquincentennial, the MTA plans to install an American flag on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in connection with the nation's 250th anniversary celebration; and Whereas, According to local newspapers in Staten Island and Brooklyn, Staten Island resident, Alesio Bejleri, brought early attention to the idea of flying an American flag on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to commemorate America's Semiquincentennial, and enlisted the assistance of the borough leaders; and Whereas, Such an installation will provide a powerful visual tribute to the nation's founding principles of liberty, unity, and resilience; and Whereas, Staten Island is home to one of the highest concentrations of veterans in New York City and maintains a strong tradition of patriotic observances and civic pride; and Whereas, Similar flag displays at prominent infrastructure sites across the United States have served as meaningful civic landmarks and sources of community pride; and Whereas, There is demonstrated bipartisan support among elected officials representing Staten Island for the installation of a flag on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes, commends, and supports the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's planned display of the American flag on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and encourages similar commemorative initiatives associated with the Semiquincentennial. JPB LS # 23987 7/2/2026 1:00 PM 2