| ||
  | ||
 |
| ||
| | ||
|
The AAmericans United Flag Across America completed its 3,872 mile journey in grand style on Sunday, November 11, at Dockweiler State Beach at the end of the runways of LAX.
As American and United jets streaked overhead, the flag runners made a triumphant loop through the LAX 'horseshoe'. At one point, American Airlines flight attendant Janet Sharp, who is living with ALS, took the flag in her wheelchair (pushed by former Olympic Marathon hopeful Leslie Lewis) in front of the American Airlines terminal to the cheers of employees lining the circle. The flag, which has been carried by thousands across the country and touched by tens of thousands, then headed down Imperial Highway to an appointment with history: more than 70 family members of the crews and passengers killed on the four aircraft hijacked on September 11 waited for their chance to "complete the trip" for their loved ones.
The flag, which was carried by First Officer Mike Burr (National Director) for the previous mile, was received by Ellen Saracini, the wife of UAL Flt. 175 Captain Victor Saracini. She and her two girls, Kirsten and Brielle, led the parade down toward the beach, followed by the other families. To ensure each person carried the flag, the participants passed it from one to the other during the mile-long walk. Behind the entourage were the State and National Coordinators of the event, followed by all state and protectorate flags of the United States.
As the flag arrived just outside the park, it was joined by Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante of California and Chief Bernard Parks of the Los Angeles Police Department. With the families, they walked across the beach and to the stage, where First Officer Todd Wissing, National Communications Coordinator, waited to begin the closing ceremony. Also on stage were champion runner Bill Rodgers, representatives of American and United Airlines Management, as well as Mr. Tom Labarge from the Los Angeles City Council's fourth district. Mr. Dan Mitrovich, President of the New York City Marathon tribute committee, was in attendance as well.
The ceremony, which was broadcast live on the web, is available for viewing at http://www.flagrun2001.org. It began with a Scottish bagpiper, who met the flag as it entered the park. After presentation of the colors by the Marine Color Guard and the National Anthem (sung by Burr's cousin, Beth Gray) Wissing began by proclaiming that the event has succeeded in its two original goals: to honor the crews and passengers killed on September 11 and to encourage the country and demonstrate American resolve by taking the US flag on foot from one coast to the other. Wissing explained the effect of this event on participants: "Different people had different reasons for running with the flag. One Mississippi policeman, explaining his desire to run, said 'by choosing the route that you did-north to south, east to west-you have sewn this country together and tied us all to the 9-11 recovery.'
"This flag arrives, not coincidentally, on Veterans Day, November 11-the 2 month anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. In tribute to the fallen, with encouragement to the nation, we finish a 3, 872 mile journey as "one nation, under God, indivisible," said Wissing.
Lt. Gov. Bustamante followed with a moving speech, in which he said that "... today, we begin to heal as a nation. Today, we are a united America."
National Director Mike Burr, whose idea spawned the nation-wide run, highlighted the personal feelings of runners who participated by reading a message sent in by a 10 year old boy who ran with the flag in Lewisville, Texas in the early morning hours. "I have received over 6,500 e-mails just like this one," said Burr. "This run was not about us or my idea; it was about you and your patriotism." Burr went on to thanks the entire organization, including all State Coordinators, all National Team members as well as the thousands who participated in the event.
A presentation by New York City Marathon Tribute Committee President Dan Mitrovich followed, as he explained that, on November 3, 2001 in Central Park, Manhattan, the Viejas Band of Kumegaay Indians submitted an Endowment to support the upkeep of a statue of NYC Marathon founder Fred Lebow. In honor of all airline employees lost on Flt.s 11, 77, 175 and 93, the band submitted this endowment in their names. In this manner, these brave people were recognized as heroes and forever memorialized through the NYC Marathon Tribute Committee and the Viejas Band. Fred Lebow and the American and United employees killed in the 9-11 attacks were both hailed by Mitrovich as unifying factors in the 'new America.'
The program ended with Autumn Carlson, daughter of American Airlines Captain Don Carlson, singing God Bless America to the rousing cheers and applause of the crowd of 500 assembled on the beach. Afterward, relatives of those lost walked silently to the water in a solemn and spontaneous punctuation to the run's finale as the bagpipe played "Amazing Grace."
Following the ceremony, family members and organizers celebrated their collective memories at a reception hosted by the Marriott Hotel-LAX. The Marriott, together with the Hilton-LAX, demonstrated the "all-for-one" spirit sweeping the nation by co-hosting the lodging sponsorship for the Flag Across America.
The AAmericans United Flag Across America team will soon announce plans to produce a documentary video of the event, as well as a commemorative book. Pins, coffee mugs and T-shirts can be purchased on the web site as they continue to raise money that, after expenses, will go into funds benefiting the children and families of the 9-11 attacks.
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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| NOTICE! THIS WEB SITE IS NO LONGER ACTIVE! For more information, read this notice... |