Covington's eternal flame has been re-lit after nearly two decades of darkness.

Covington Gas Department managers Steve Coady and Jeff Farrell repaired the natural-gas eternal flame located in the city-owned Franklin Wright Park several days ago. City Manager Steve Horton has been unable to determine when the eternal flame was originally installed but said it was more than 30 years ago.

"The Flame became sort of a landmark with its location known well by all the locals. This was still true after the infrastructure failed and the flame was extinguished. Since talks began recently about the possible re-lighting, I have received many positive comments about it," Horton said in an email Tuesday.

The repair was expected to cost a few hundred dollars, but Horton did not have specifics Tuesday.

"Personally, I am proud to see the Flame back in operation honoring the brave persons who lost their lives during military service to our country. Whatever it may cost to keep the Flame repaired and fueled from now on will never compare to the price those that it honors paid to protect our freedom."

Horton also thanked Ester Williams and the Covington Garden Club which replanted the area around the flame and pushed for the flame to be re-lit.