GIANT UKRAINIAN FLAG UNFURLED IN THE ARIZONA SKY
Franck Eloffe, a career skydiver, performs a dramatic unfurling of a giant Ukrainian flag over Eloy, Arizona. Photos and videos by Craig Amrine.
To mark Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day, the Arizona sky became a stage of honor and remembrance. A giant Ukrainian flag flew for 34 seconds in the Arizona sky — one second for each year of Ukraine’s independence.
The breathtaking skydive, commissioned by Cactus and Tryzub, was more than a display of color and courage. It was a tribute to Ukraine’s sovereignty, the resilience of her people, and the ongoing sacrifices of those who continue to defend freedom on the frontlines today.
The flag jump was performed by Franck Eloffe, a third-generation skydiver with 25+ years in the sport, 17,000+ jumps, and nine world records. Eloffe managed a rapid, controlled deployment from 9000ft while soaring through the air with the flag trailing behind him. He was accompanied by aerial videographer Craig “9-Toes” Amrine, a U.S. skydiver with 32 years in the sport and 12,000+ jumps, who captured the sequence using helmet-mounted cameras while maintaining safe separation in freefall when piloting a canopy.
To ensure a clean 34-second sequence with the flag fully open, the team prepped the fabric for high-speed airflow, reinforced attachment points, worked with riggers, tested deployment stability, and rehearsed timing. For editorial quality, the athletes executed two back-to-back jumps with multi-camera coverage at Skydive Arizona (Eloy, AZ).
“Every second I’m in the air with this flag, I’m thinking about the people in Ukraine risking everything for freedom. I’m not Ukrainian, but I believe in their fight — and I want the world to keep paying attention. This jump is my way of saying: we see you, we support you, and we won’t look away. Jumping with this flag isn’t just symbolic — it’s a statement.” - said Franck Eloffe.
The flag skydive is part of a broader Arizona initiative titled Together For Ukraine which is aimed at community engagement to spotlight Ukraine’s fight for freedom with a meaningful call to action.
“For 34 years, Ukraine has stood as a free and independent nation — and today, we’re still fighting to keep it that way. This flag in the sky is more than a symbol — it’s a tribute to every person who’s stood, fought, or fallen for our freedom. We’re here to say: Ukraine is still standing, and we’re not giving up. This jump is dedicated to the people and heroes of Ukraine. Every second of those 34 seconds in the air honors a year of independence — and the people who gave their lives to defend it. We carry their memory with us, always. This flag in the sky is a tribute to them — and a promise that we will never forget their sacrifice”
