Fifty years after a massive American flag proudly flew across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge for the nation’s Bicentennial celebration, a young Albanian-American student is working to bring back that powerful symbol for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026.

Alesio Bejleri, a 21-year-old student at the College of Staten Island, has launched a campaign to have a giant American flag once again displayed on the bridge that connects Staten Island and Brooklyn. Inspired by the 1976 event, when a 70,000-square-foot flag was briefly hung before strong winds caused it to tear, Bejleri is determined to honor the historic milestone while learning from past challenges.

“I wanted to remake the same thing, but make it smart so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past” Bejleri said.

Understanding that the bridge falls under the jurisdiction of the MTA, Bejleri reached out to local elected officials for support. His efforts quickly gained traction. Earlier this month, Councilmember David Carr, along with State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, sent a formal letter to the MTA requesting approval to place a flag on the bridge for the 250th anniversary celebrations.

The elected officials emphasized that such a display would be a powerful way to honor America’s history and welcome ships entering New York Harbor during the July 4th festivities.

In response, MTA spokesperson Aaron Donovan said the agency is “investigating safe ways to fly the flag so that it would not be damaged by winds or interfere with traffic,” and plans to update officials with their findings.

With over a year left until the anniversary, Bejleri and his supporters remain hopeful that the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will once again feature a breathtaking symbol of American pride — thanks to the vision and dedication of a young Albanian-American leader.