Miami International Airport
07/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2026 14:35
MIA celebrates America250 with flag-raising and sculpture dedication ceremony
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Miami,
01
July
2026
|
16:30 PM
America/New_York
MIA celebrates America250 with flag-raising and sculpture dedication ceremony
70 U.S. flags and world-renowned 20-foot monument now on display
In celebration of America's 250th anniversary on July 4, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined Miami International Airport officials for a special flag-raising ceremony in MIA's Central Garden. Instead of the 70 international flags representing each country served by nonstop flights from MIA, military veterans from the airport community and surrounding areas raised 70 U.S. flags in their place. The ceremony concluded with a patriotic flyover by three Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office helicopters above the event. The 70 U.S. flags will remain on display through the end of July.
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I am thrilled Miami International Airport is joining the commemoration of America250 with this powerful display at one of the world's leading international gateways. More than 150,000 travelers pass through MIA every day, and now many of them will be able to experience this striking tribute to the enduring spirit of the American flag.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
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Immediately after the flag-raising, Miami-Dade Aviation and Seaport Committee Chair Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins led a dedication ceremony for the Renaissance of Towers - a 20-foot-tall, three-ton stainless steel sculpture by international artist Helidon Xhixha. Originally completed in 2007, the monument was installed this week at MIA's Central Boulevard entrance.
The $400,000 sculpture, previously showcased in cultural hubs including Venice, Florence, Berlin, Como, and Milan, reflects imagery of the American flag and draws inspiration from New York City's Twin Towers as a tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Now positioned along a roadway traveled by more than 47,000 drivers daily, the monument was donated to Miami-Dade County through a partnership between Xhixha, Humberto Ortiz of AUM Construction, and Carlos and Martin Melo of the Melo Group, a Miami-based real estate developer.
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MIA has long awaited a memorable aesthetic symbol representative of our great community. On America's 250th birthday, I am proud to unveil what I have worked to achieve- the installation of an iconic art piece representing the American Flag and the American Dream. I am grateful to internationally renowned artist Helidon Xhixha for donating his remarkable artwork to Miami-Dade County, and to all of our partners who helped bring this meaningful installation to MIA just in time for our country's birthday.
Aviation Chair Danielle Cohen Higgins.
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Miami International Airport, America's busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $14 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $212 billion and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.
To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at [email protected]or call the office in 305-869-1859 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).
Miami International Airport published this content on July 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 01, 2026 at 20:35 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]