On October 18th, 2001, the rural areas of U.S. # 1, towns and cities were awash in Red, White and Blue...flags, hats, banners, streamers. Vets standing at attention, gleaning from memory and experience their service to our country while protecting ours and others freedoms. Tears of joy, pride, sadness of years long gone or of more recent battles and/or tragedy...uplifted by the site of the FLAG!

Camden Military Cadets at attention while their band played "his truth is marching on..." The FLAG being carried aloft by runners straight through the parade field, only a minor detour from U.S. 1 route. Cadets rousing chant of "U.S.A, U.S.A." growing to a thunderous roar. Runners echoing the refrain.

Citizens lining every inch of roadsides, streets, parking lots, parks through Camden, S.C. ( oldest inland city in S.C. ). School kids carrying the FLAG with pomp and bravado.

Church bells signaling the arrival of the FLAG, "America the Beautiful" resonating through the cloudless sky. Camden Mayor, Mary Clark presenting a special City Proclamation to pilots, thanking them and citizens of Kershaw County.

Lugoff High and Middle School bands stopping in the middle of their marching practice to pull up in formation and play "My Country Tis of Thee" to thousands of eyes swelling with tears. Tears of pride for their FLAG, their country.

As the FLAG was passed off to Richland County runners, our group relinquished it with reservation, but none-the-less, passed it on. Against a beautiful backdrop of sunset, church steeples, one particular lady comes to mind. Sitting in her wheelchair as the evening coolness approached, she had a lit sparkler and her FLAG. A day that began around 4:30 a.m. and ended, at least for my group at 7 p.m., I am reminded of a saying from a book called "Once A Runner" and the words, "Miles of Trials and Trials of Miles" and the symbolism of those words especially in light of the importance of coping with this tragedy and the pride and unity which our Nation needs to continues to show in order to be competent and contributing Americans!

Submitted by: Lansing Brewer - Camden, S.C. Oct. 18 Flag Relay Coordinator from N.C./S.C. border to Richland County line.

Lansing Brewer
Kershaw County Extension Service

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