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The Americans United Flag Across America run is taking a flag, which
flew over Iraq in a fighter plane patrolling the no-fly zone, across the
approximate route American and United airlines flights would have taken
had they not been hijacked Sept. 11.
"It brings a sense of pride in our country. I'm thankful to get to be a
part of this," Mayor Trent Sisemore said, after carrying the flag to its
first stop, city hall. "I feel this exemplifies the spirit of cooperation
and unity in our country, especially at a time like this."
A group of Marines carried the flag into town.
Major Tim Frantz said the Marines weren't going to let Old Glory pass
through their town without America's finest putting their hands on it.
America route, log on to http://www.flagrun2001.org/
On The Net:
"It was no physical effort whatsoever. It was pure adrenalin like I
knew it would be," he said.
Horton said carrying the flag was just a small thing he could do.
"If enough people do enough small things, it adds up to something big,"
the Pantex guard said.
Next, cross-country runners from Tascosa High School took the flag to
the Amarillo Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System.
Her fellow runners agreed.
"I'm honored to run for people that helped . . . in a crisis," said
Jamie Blasingame, adding she was also celebrating the lives of those who
died.
At the VA, former soldiers looked with pride upon the flag.
"We have to support it wherever it goes," said Garlen Eslick, a
survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Eslick said America must never forget what happened in New York and the
Pentagon and all the lives that were lost.
Then the flag moved on to John Stiff Memorial Park, the Amarillo base
camp.
Runners stopped at the base camp for a brief proclamation by Sisemore
and the city commission, and a few patriotic songs.
Runners said the experience was gratifying.
"It was exhilarating. I think it was very healing," said Jenny Rapp, an
American Airlines flight attendant. Rapp said running was a way to
remember fallen comrades who died in the plane crashes.
A group of 18 runners came from San Antonio to participate.
"It's so incredible you can't even explain it. It's the biggest feeling
of pride and unity," said Gail Gavrysh, one of the runners.
Sally Rios said people showed a real sense of love and respect for the
flag.
Other travelers included Bill Lathrop and Ram Flores, who flew in from
Corpus Christi. The pair was in town only a few hours.
"This is a great cause and we wanted to carry the flag in our state,"
Lathrop said.
Flores said he just wanted to help keep the flag moving.
Brent Murphy ran the flag from Amarillo to Umbarger.
"When I first heard about it, I felt a personal obligation to do this
for the victims as well as for myself," he said.
Shortly before leaving Amarillo, officials complimented area efforts in
the run.
"The run went extremely well," said Phil Conroy, a Texas organizer.
"Everyone has been just superb."
The flag left John Stiff Memorial Park at midnight and continued to Los
Angeles, with an expected arrival on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.
Jerri Horton, a
retired Marine, carried the flag to city hall.
For more on the Flag Across
"I feel like it's
really an honor to get to run and represent all America in remembering the
victims of Sept. 11," Bekah Lovett said. "It strengthens my sense of
patriotism."
Adam Hoffman, a Navy
veteran of Korea, said he came to cheer the runners on, something that
filled him with pride in his country.
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