Clear Lake Falconhoops

The large United States flag hanging in the Krueger Field House during the 2006-07 basketball season was flown on the Space Shuttle and presented by Johnson Space Center Director Michael Coats at the dedication of the Field House on November 14, 2006.

The flag was purchased by Clear Lake High School. Its size is larger than the one originally specified due to unavailability of the requested size. The flag is significantly larger than any flag ever flown in space (after all, this is Texas). Due to the size of the flag, notably exceptional approvals were required by NASA.

The flag was provided after the absolute deadline for the Shuttle manifest contents was finalized. Because of the late date the flag was provided, exceptional permission was also necessary to get the flag included in the cargo to be carried in space.  As anyone familiar with the manned space program knows, this was no small accomplishment.

As best I can determine the flag was removed from the gym during the decoration of the room for the 2007 graduation ceremony. Someone felt the flag clashed with the decor of the ceremony or was too imposing or something. Later it was decided to avoid the same "problem" in the future the flag would not be rehung. It would be placed in the trophy case and another, smaller flag would be hung in its place.

There are those of us who are not pleased with the decision to replace the flag hanging in the gym.