The Americans United Flag Across America memorial running of the US Flag from Boston to Los Angeles was a remarkable event. It was one of those events that gives a participant an odd mixture of emotions.

One feels remorse and regret that this event was organized, because the attacks of 9-11 were responsible for bringing the idea to life; so many were lost before we as Americans 'regained' our patriotism. But then, one feels so incredibly gratified and proud to have been a part of this special Memorial. I hope it is the last of its kind.

I ran with a group from Foothill and Cherry in Fontana to Foothill and Vineyard in Rancho Cucamonga. I had signed up in advance to run, having heard of the Run on KNX radio a few weeks ago. I must say it was difficult to sign up - no information was provided in that story. But after lots of e-mails everywhere, someone finally knew where to direct me.

It seemed there was not a lot of publicity surrounding the Run, but a few folks contacted the Daily Bulletin, and the Bulletin was gracious enough to print an article on 11-10-01. I want to thank the Bulletin and their staff for this, because I believe it resulted in the phenomenal turnout of people along the route, at Cherry Ave, and especially at Vineyard Ave. There were a lot of people at Cherry and even more at Vineyard.

Wow!! What a feeling to be part of a group of 7 runners approaching that cheering crowd at Vineyard! The American Flag was held high. And a special Banner Pole with numerous ribbons was also with us. On each ribbon was the name of a Flight Crew member lost in the attacks. I held 2 small American Flags I brought along as we hit the end of our segment (CA segment # 43...). There were high-fives and hugs. It was special beyond my ability to put it into words. One CHP officer who was our escort said he had not seen any other crowd even close to this size all day!

I want to thank all of you who came out late at night in support of the Run and our Nation. As our group left Cherry, we had a number of folks who started with us. A young boy, perhaps 10 or so, started us out. There was a live news story, but I do not know what channel it was on. This large group began its journey, and as the Flag was passed between runners, members of the group gradually fell behind and let us continue.

By mile 2 or so, the main group of 7 was there to complete the 7 mile segment. A couple of the folks were from the local area, a couple from back east. Several had run other segments in other parts of the Country or California. A couple had tracked the Run for hours before this segment. Several were airline employees. A couple were long distance runners, some were not. But we all stayed together as a group. I will never forget this group and what we did.

I hope everyone who participated and supported us also does not forget and will perhaps take some time to reflect on what it means to be an American and how blessed we all really are.

Now I would like to make a special request of all of you who were there. The website for the event is http://www.flagrun2001.org/. This is the California Page, but has links everywhere else. Check it out. I want to submit as many photos and even videos of our segment of the run as possible. You can forward picture/videos to me or can submit through the website. The intent is to create a CD at some point containing all of the pictures, videos, letters, etc. generated along the Flag's route by participants and supporters.

You made the effort to be there - now, can you help preserve this for all time? If you want to provide pictures/videos/thoughts, please try to get them to me by the early December (or submit through the website ASAP), so they can be included. You can send them to me at my office:

c/o Surg/Assist, Inc., 9340 7th St., Unit C, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. Write 'Flag Run' on the package.

I will forward the materials to the folks who will compile everything. Remember that whatever you send will not be returned. And include your name and address so you can be contacted when the CD is ready. I do not have a date at this time.

Again, Thank You to everyone who supported the Americans United Flag Across America running of CA segment 43.

Andy Frisque
Alta Loma

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