An Oak Creek Company And Its Role in History

The photo was instantly iconic.

On one of the darkest days in U.S. history, the image of three firefighters hoisting a U.S. flag amid the ruins of the World Trade Center became a symbol of hope and solidarity.

It was only a few months after Sept. 11, 2001, that employees at Eder Flag realized the flag in that picture was made in Oak Creek. 


They discovered that fact after hearing a firefighter took the flag and a flag pole from a yacht near the World Trade Center.

A sales representative at Eder Flag knew they had shipped flags to the owner of the yacht. After doing their own research, Eder Flag officials were able to confirm they produced the famous flag. 

"It was a proud but humble feeling," Eder Flag Director of Operations Jodie Goglio said. 

Eder Flag is included in a new documentary, "The Flag," that premiered last week on CNN. The film traces the mysterious whereabouts of that famous flag, which was "either misplaced, stolen or secreted away by unknown forces in the chaos of ground zero," according to a statement from the film's directors.

CNN plans to re-air the film Wednesday, on the 12th anniversary of the attacks.

Filmmakers visited Oak Creek in February to interview employees and shoot footage of flags being manufactured inside the facility, 1000 W. Rawson Ave.

Goglio said Eder Flag never publicized that the flag was produced there, but took a quiet pride they made the flag—and that it was made in America using all American materials. 

"We all had an emotional attachment to that picture," Goglio said. 

As the film notes, sales at Eder Flag skyrocketed after Sept. 11. The business, which moved to Oak Creek in 1979, is the largest company in the United States that manufactures both flags and flag poles.

"The day of Sept. 11 was very quiet and somber here, but right thereafter, it was extremely busy," Goglio said.

Employees took a sense of pride they helped contribute to the nation's healing process despite being so far away from New York and Washington, Goglio said.

They were also excited to be part of "The Flag," which brings back the memories and emotions of Sept. 11 and its aftermath. 

"Everyone will have emotional connection to it," said Goglio, who saw the film before its debut.