The American flag is flying above South 320th Street in Federal Way once again.

As most residents slept, city officials installed the new flagpole late in the night of Sept. 1. The pole had been previously damaged on Jan. 16 when a suspected drunk driver crashed into the pole in the early morning hours, rendering the pole unsafe as it could not withstand weight and pressure of flying the flag.

Thus, the pole has been missing a flag for nearly eight months — sparking questions from residents and out-of-towners driving through the city.

A new pole was fabricated in Iowa, transported across the country and installed downtown, complete with a brand new 15-by-25 foot American flag.

On Tuesday night, City of Federal Way Public Works crews and Flags A’ Flying contractors reinstalled the 70-foot pole and U.S. flag. Originally installed in 2014, the flagpole is a familiar sight for many over the last six years.

“We’ve missed our flag and I know many of our residents have as well,” said Mayor Jim Ferrell. “It’s good to have her back.”

At the Sept. 1 Federal Way City Council meeting, the mayor said the city would be seeking full financial reimbursement from the driver’s insurance once the case is no longer pending.