Addabbo Brings Entities Together to Repair Clocktower Flag

The long-missing flag from the Grosjean Factory Clocktower on Atlantic Avenue is flying high again thanks to a multi-agency effort led by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. in conjunction with community residents and leaders.

In previous years, the flag’s pulley system at the highest point of the flagpole was broken and in need of repair for Old Glory to wave high atop the clock tower located at 92-10 Atlantic Avenue in Ozone Park. The flag honors the men and women who served bravely in the Vietnam War.

Senator Addabbo, who started donating the flags in 2019, worked with Jean Oshea, FDNY Foundation Executive Director and Jamaica Hospital manager Patrick Rudden to facilitate the repairs. The flag tower, also known as the MediSys Clocktower, is at the rooftop of Jamaica Hospital’s annex.

“The FDNY and the FDNY Foundation thank Senator Addabbo and his remarkable staff for their continued support and the ongoing efforts to never forget the sacrifices made by our first responders,” Oshea said.

The flag repair company stated that the services would include 3/8” rope, stainless steel clips, a new pulley, gold ball and pole top adapter.

"I am proud to have led the effort to bring individuals together in order to restore the flag atop the Clocktower-MediSys building,” Senator Addabbo said. “This flag represents the valor and sacrifice of our brave men and women who served in the Vietnam War. It is a symbol of our gratitude and remembrance. I would like to thank the FDNY Foundation, Susan Wipper, Patrick Rudden, and all the community residents and leaders who came together to make this restoration possible. Let us never forget the sacrifices made by our first responders and veterans, honoring them by keeping our flag flying high.”