Our Story
Meet Papa Friendlyway!
John Turner is the authentic global spokesperson for world-wide friendship!
WORLD FRIENDSHIP FLAG COSMIC CONNECTION TO THE FIELD OF DREAMS IN DYERSVILLE, IOWA
Four years ago, a simple yet profound act took place at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, when John Turner rubbed the World Friendship Flag across the bronze plaque of Denise Stillman. This gesture, steeped in legend, was believed to invoke the blessings of the Field of Dreams, a site synonymous with hope and aspiration. Turner, who sees the residents of Summerville, Georgia, as his extended family, felt that this act was not just a tribute but a cosmic catalyst for the town's transformation into the "Friendship Capital of the World."
In the years since that moment, Summerville has indeed gained international recognition for its commitment to friendship and community. The legend associated with Denise Stillman suggests that rubbing your hand across her plaque brings blessings not only to the individual but also to their family and community. For Turner, this act symbolized a profound connection to
Summerville, a small town that has become a global beacon of goodwill.
The World Friendship Flag, born in Summerville, has played an instrumental role in this transformation. As it flies proudly in the town, it represents a commitment to unity and connection that resonates with people from all walks of life. The establishment of the Solid Rock of World Friendship Park, featuring the iconic rock known as "Rare Earth," has further solidified
Summerville's reputation as a haven for friendship. This park has become a celebrated destination for visitors seeking to honor the spirit of camaraderie and community.
Turner believes that the cosmic power of his act at the Field of Dreams sent ripples through time and space, paving the way for Summerville's rise as a global leader in friendship. This belief is rooted in the idea that when we acknowledge the bonds that unite us, we create a space for dreams to flourish. The mantra, "If you build it, they will come," has become a guiding principle for the town, inspiring residents to cultivate their dreams and share them with the world.
Today, Summerville stands as a testament to the power of friendship and community spirit. It serves as a reminder that even the smallest towns can leave a lasting impact on the global stage. John Turner's tribute, a blend of reverence and belief in the power of dreams, underscores the idea that connections-cosmic or otherwise- can shape our realities in profound ways.
As the World Friendship Flag continues to wave over Summerville, it signals not only a celebration of friendship but also a commitment to dreams that resonate far beyond its borders. John Turner's story is a beautiful illustration of how one act of kindness can create a legacy that transforms a community and inspires the world.
The World Friendship Flag a.k.a. AQUARIUS..."The Flag Of The Golden Rule"
The Big Friendly Flag: Celebrating Peace, Friendship, and Inspiration
The World Friendship Flag, affectionately known as "The Big Friendly," holds the title of the "World's Largest Flag of Peace and Friendship." This remarkable flag has traveled to various national landmarks, university football stadiums, and basketball courts, spreading its message of camaraderie wherever it goes.
Notably, it was displayed on the iconic Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, serving as a powerful reminder to students to pursue their dreams. In addition to its role as a symbol of friendship, the Big Friendly Flag also inspired the idea of naming of the The Big Friendly Triangle, reinforcing its status as a motivator for unity and hope.
The The Big Friendly Triangle which refers to the rural areas in between Chattanooga, Birmingham and Atlanta which are bordered by I-75, I-20 and I-59. We refer this area to The Big Friendly Triangle. These areas have been marked by The World Friendship Flag aka The Big Friendly. Marking this area with friendship is a "Big Friendly" step to spread friendship in the world.
Join us in celebrating the spirit of friendship and the dreams we all share through "The Big Friendly."
How It All Began
The story of the World Friendship Flag and The Big Friendly Triangle begins with the Rotary Interact Club at Chattooga High School in 1996. The World Friendship Flag was created to spread a message of friendship across the world and CARE to help end childhood hunger.
The World Friendship Flag was created with the help of renowned artist, Howard Finster. Using his figures and creations, we were able to create a flag that perfectly represented our message of peace, love, and friendship.
This flag has been everywhere from Times Square to Cape Canaveral, FL. Now it’s our mission to mark the Triangle with our flag of friendship, recognizing this unique area as The Big Friendly Triangle.
This will be a step forward to promote a friendly world.
Our Founder
John Turner was a schoolteacher at Chattooga High School when he discovered his passion for helping others. As the head of the Rotary Interact Club, it was his responsibility to help the students create a global community-oriented project. It was during this project that the World Friendship Flag was first created.
In 1996, John Turner and his students were able to send the World Friendship Flag to 7,000 schools across the world. The impact of this project spread throughout the Summerville, GA community. Due to the efforts of Turner, Summerville, GA is now known as the Friendship Capital of the World.
As John Turner continued his mission of promoting friendship and ending world hunger, he published his first book, God’s Junkman, detailing his friendship with artist Howard Finster.
