Oklahoma City, OK (October 30, 2001) Flag relay determined to reach Los Angeles tours through Oklahoma City, Cordell, OK. University of Oklahoma President Boren, Representative Watts participate in country-wide effort to encourage nation. Flag runners pause at Oklahoma City National Memorial; hear prayers, lessons of healing and recovery from terrorism.
The AAmericans United Flag Across America, which began with Governor Jane Swift of
Massachusetts presenting a US flag to a team in Boston, paused at the site of the terrorist
bombing in 1995 and heard words of inspiration and lessons of healing from those who have
recovered from the only domestic terrorist attack in the nation’s history.
“We came through Oklahoma City because it is perhaps the best example of the resilient
nature of our nation. We can learn how to heal from attacks on our way of life by
following the example of the people of Oklahoma,” said First Officer Todd Wissing,
National Coordinator for Communications.
Earlier, former Senator and Oklahoma Governor David Boren joined Congressman J.C.
Watts and AAmericans United Flag Across America founder First Officer (American
Airlines) Mike Burr in Norman, OK for a ceremonial “passing of the flag”. Watts and Burr
ran several miles together in a show of unity and spirit. The flag later passed through
Cordell, OK, scene of devastation after tornadoes hit the town nearly a month ago.
The organization, composed of a grassroots team of airline employees from American and
United airlines, military personnel and now many other volunteers, has traveled more than
halfway across the country—over 2,000 miles—and heads back into Texas for a rally in
Amarillo featuring veterans who have poured their hearts into preparation for the arrival of
the flag.
“This is the first time in 30 years that I’ve seen some of these vets getting out and
participating at this level, “ said Earl Jones, Deputy Commander of the VFW for the region.
The group will run from Boston—the departure city of AA Flt. 11 and UA Flt. 175, to Los
Angeles—the arrival city of three of four planes that were hijacked in the 9-11 attacks, to
honor the memories of those killed.
The flag, which has visited Ground Zero in Manhattan and touched all states hit by the Sept.
11 attacks, was flown in the cockpit of an F-16 fighter over Southern Iraq as part of
Operation Southern Watch. For complete route data and other real-time details, visit the
web site at www.flagrun2001.org.
Every visitor is encouraged to visit the donations page of the website and make a
contribution to a fund benefiting the children of those killed on Sept. 11, 2001.
Corporate sponsors are still needed for run-related expenses. The run
is supported by donations and equipment from CruiseAmerica® Recreational Vehicles, the
Hilton Hotel-Boston Logan Airport , Minerva Network Systems, Marriott Hotels, AT&T
Wireless, Microsoft, Dell, ExxonMobil, the Allied Pilots Association and the Rack
Restaurant in Boston, MA, among many other fine sponsors.
Media contacts are preferred through the web site e-mail (media@flagrun2001.org), or call Media Relations Coordinator First Officer Todd Wissing at 646-555-5555.
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Updated: 11 October 2002
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