About The Author
LEN SILVERFINE
Growing up, Len Silverfine was deeply influenced by World War II and had a strong sense of patriotism and respect for democratic principles. Like many of his generation, he grew a fervent supporter of unity, freedom, and respect for the American flag which makes him, a staunch advocate for American values and togetherness. This deep devotion to his nation inspired the creation of the “Great Flag”- a massive American flag symbolizing national pride and unity. The momentous unfurling of this flag at the Washington Monument in 1980 marked the realization of Silverfine’s vision and united people from across the country to celebrate their shared heritage. The flag was given to the nation as a gift and received by President Ronald Reagan himself as a symbol of American unity and resiliency. Since then, it has been displayed at numerous major events such as welcoming back the Iranian hostages, paying tribute to the first Columbia astronauts, and welcoming home our Gulf War troops. Through his writing “Unless First We Dream”, Silverfine calls on readers to remember and renew their commitment to and values of democracy and freedom. Len hopes to rekindle the American spirit through his penning and aims to inspire the future generation to uphold the principles of democracy and freedom to keep the dream of unity alive.
About The Book
Unless first we dream
“Unless First We Dream” advocates patriotism and serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of national pride. It’s the story of one man’s inspirational quest to bring back American patriotism in the wake of Watergate and Vietnam. To commemorate America’s bicentennial in 1976, during America’s 200th Anniversary celebration, Len Silverfine envisioned a massive American flag to greet the “Tall Ships” and the entire world in New York City. He hoped this gesture would spark joy and a renewed sense of patriotism in a weary nation. However, the flag did not survive its trial run six days before the “Tall Ships” event. That evening, TV and radio stations were flooded with offers to help repair it, though it wasn’t possible in time. Hundreds of volunteers, ranging from small toddlers to grandparents, helped bring this 14,000-pound “Great Flag” to life when it was finally unfurled at the Washington Monument on Flag Day in 1980. Through failures and victories, the flag grew to represent American pride and solidarity, uniting communities and upholding American ideals. Silverfine’s story highlights a sense of patriotism that remains just as important today and serves as a reminder of the strength of shared dreams. “Unless First We Dream” is a poignant historical narrative that also serves as a call to reaffirm our dedication to freedom and democracy.