Wow. After waiting an entire month for the Flag to get to CA, I was finally able to get my hands on Old Glory and run! It was leg 26 on Route 62 just north of Palm Springs, through the desert and wind farms of the Morongo Valley. Just before the Flag entourage arrived at the checkpoint, a high school marching band rolled up in a bus. Their director said they happened to see the Flag on their way to a performance, so they had to seize the moment. They played the Star Spangled Banner as the Flag passed, and it never sounded sweeter. Along our segment, I ran with a strapping Marine from Miramar, a lady from Redding, a dude from Albuquerque, and several families with young kids who just wanted to take part, if only for a short distance. Maybe the most touching thing for me was carrying the staff with all those black ribbons - one for each of the crewmembers murdered on the airplanes. I felt that we were proudly serving their memories. I am a pilot for American. My wife is a flight attendant for United. I count my blessings everyday.

This was an incredible grass-roots effort by Mike Burr and his countless staff of energetic volunteers. Many, many thanks to those of you who made this possible! I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to participate in this patriotic event and contribute in some tangible manner.

God Bless America!

Brad Bonenberger, AA First Officer/LAX and LCDR USNR

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