With American flags adorning every table, Mike Fernandez gave a stirring speech as part of a patriotic pitch to attendees of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce trustee luncheon.
The Cuban immigrant, U.S. Army veteran and private equity firm chairman is looking to give back in a big way.
His vision: An American flag soaring 40-stories high, perched on a corner of Miami's waterfront Museum Park. The flag would serve as a symbol of freedom, democracy and gratitude for the country that gave him so much opportunity.
Fernandez says he's willing to pick up the estimated $10 million it would take to raise the tallest American flag in the country, and has created a foundation to cover the first five years of maintenance.
Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez favors the flag proposalnbut says it still needs to clear the city commission and possibly a public vote.
Fernandez's moving video presentation led to a flag-waving standing ovation with many people clearly in his court, including NBA Hall of Fame player and former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., also made a reference to Fernandez's flag of gratitude proposal in his keynote speech on Wednesday.
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