FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE CONTACT First Officer Todd Wissing email: media@flagrun2001.org 646-555-5555

The AAmericans United Flag Across America, which began with Governor Jane Swift of Massachusetts presenting a US flag to a team in Boston, heads towards an emotional finish in Los Angeles, as organizers today announced that members of the families of the air crews and passengers lost are invited to run the final portion.

“We want to offer the families of those killed on the aircraft the opportunity to ‘complete the flights’ for their loved ones, who never made it to their destinations,” said National Communications Coordinator First Officer Todd Wissing. “The families of the passengers, led by the families of the air crews who lost their lives on 9-11-01, will run behind the flag in the final symbolic arrival of all four flights. Behind them, all state and protectorate flags will follow as we finish as “one nation”. In this way, we will honor all of those lost on that fateful day and emphasize our unity as a nation.” The organization, composed of a grassroots team of airline employees from American Airlines and United Airlines, military personnel and now nearly 6,000 volunteers have trekked on foot nearly 2,700 miles in a show of respect for those killed on 9-11-01 and in a demonstration of national resolve. “We are saying to the world that we are a strong nation, we are resilient and we must do the everyday things that protect our freedom. Each of us must do our part,” said National Coordinator Mark Hunnibell.

The flag, which has visited Ground Zero in Manhattan and has 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. It will finish its journey at LAX airport at 2 p.m. on November 11, at the end of the runways in scenic Dockweiler State Park, on the shore of the Pacific — 3,872 miles from where it began.

“We took the flag from the Governor of Massachusetts in Boston; we want the leadership of California to welcome the flag in Los Angeles—and Lt. Governor Bustamante has responded. Then our mission will be complete,” said National Director and American Airlines First Officer Mike Burr. The run has been characterized by cooperation and support from many organizations that are normally adversaries, such as American Airlines and United Airlines employees, Marriott and Hilton hotels and many others. “We are learning things about the character of this country—that companies such as these really do have a heart,” said Wissing. “We cannot express how good it is to see rivals like Hilton and Marriott both jump in with such support—especially when they are severely affected by the economic downturn. People need to remember that, to appreciate our freedom, we have to exercise it and get back to traveling and doing the things that we would normally do.”

For route data and other real-time details, please visit the web site at http://www.flagrun2001.org. Every visitor is encouraged to visit the donations page of the website and make a contribution to the Flag Run fund which will be split between seven funds benefiting the children and families 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 AT&T Wireless, Microsoft, Dell, ExxonMobil, CruiseAmerica® Recreational Vehicles, Hilton Hotels, Minerva Network Systems, Marriott Hotels, 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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