World's Largest Confederate Flag

Brandon, Florida

The self-proclaimed World's Largest Confederate Battle Flag is the centerpiece of a Confederate veterans memorial, erected in 2008 by Marion Lambert as a spit-in-the-eye to county commissioners who refused to acknowledge a celebration of "Southern Heritage Month."

The giant flag is 50 ft. by 30 ft., on a pole tall enough that the provocative symbol can be seen miles away on the interstate and from surrounding communities. The Sons of Confederate Veterans insist it honors the courage of rebel soldiers who fought in the Civil War, but most others who see it have a different association....

We spotted big battle flag twice on different days, from I-75 and I-4. Venturing to its base, we half-expected some kind of private, walled compound, but it is in an accessible roadside spot with convenient parking spaces.

A sign identifies it as "General Jubal A. Early Camp 556." A small plaza is centered around a granite monument in front of the flag pole. It reads, in part, that the site is dedicated to the Confederate forces who "fought, bled and died in defense of their homeland against ruthless invasion and who strove to protect America's birthright of Constitutional liberty & freedom dating from 1776."

The Sons of Confederate Veterans have plans to place another four giant Confederate flags around the state for their "Flags Across Florida" initiative.