PORTLAND — A giant American flag will be in Portland Thursday, part of a 50-state tour before it is displayed in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa., as part of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Local firefighters and police will raise the 30-foot by 57-foot flag at 2 p.m., hoisting it between two fire department aerial ladders at the Preble Street Extension parking lot, and lower it at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and sign the logbook at the Back Cove event.