Mike Burr

Thanks

It's November 11, 2001. Veteran's Day. Today at 2:00 P.M. (Pacific) we completed the journey...An UNBELIEVEABLE journey! I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with Americans United Flag Across America. The list is long and I apologize if anyone is omitted.

First and foremost, words cannot express my gratitude to my wife, Diane, and my children, Stephanie, Kristin, and Brian. They have stood behind me and supported this undertaking without complaining once. I missed watching the World Series with them and the house didn't get painted. I have been one sleep deprived, moody, son of a something... thanks for understanding.

Next, thanks to the families of our coordinators. The Top Team had no idea what they were in for when they agreed to this undertaking. Their wives, children, and girlfriends (for those bachelors) were left holding down the fort as we trekked across the country. Thanks a million for "loaning" your loved ones to Flagrun.

To the State coordinators: You folks made this event happen. You answered the email call and we asked for your patience as we developed the plan on the run... literally. We met you at your entry border... you were fresh, excited, and rarin' to go. We left you at your exit border... sleep deprived, exhausted, and ready to kill us. I can't begin to express my gratitude for your efforts. Old Glory moved from Boston to Los Angeles in 32 days because of your dedication, your patriotism, and your love for the victims and our country. Thank you and God bless you all.

To the local media: Thank you for your coverage of this event. You have captured the true message of the run. Patriotism is alive and well in America. We are the United States of America... the greatest, proudest, strongest country on the planet.

To CBS Early Show: Thank you for providing national media exposure at the beginning, the middle, and the end. You had the courage to show America something positive amidst a sea of negative news. Others did not follow your lead despite the relentless efforts of Todd Wissing, our National Media Coordinator.

To the thousands of participants: Runners, support personnel, loyal spectators. You have given us memories that will go with us to our graves. Your Flag waving, your high-fives, your shouts of support... made the adrenaline flow and the Flag move faster. You were there at all hours. You fed us, watered us, and cheered us along. Each person that carried Old Glory has an equal stake in the overall success of the Flagrun. You made it happen. Thank you all.

To the American children: You are awesome! Each school we passed provided us with such renewed faith in the future of our Nation. Your teachers, parents and each and every one of you should be very proud. We set out to reassure America's children that they need not be afraid. We also wanted to teach them about our Flag, the women and men who have died for our freedom, and what it means to be an American. Frank LaCorte was amazing with the children... he really missed his calling. In the end, it was the children who taught us. Thank you.

To the Police, Fire, and EMS personnel across the country: Your support in keeping our runners and Old Glory safe for 3875 miles is most appreciated. We bored you to tears, made a lot of jokes about doughnuts, and cut in and out of the parade with reckless abandon. Not once did we hear a complaint. God bless you and thanks for everything. To all the dignitaries and clergymen along the route and at Los Angeles. Thank you for your moving speeches, your prayers and your support. You added much needed fuel and motivation across this great Nation.

Thank you to Daniel Mitrovich, President of the NYC Marathon Tribute Committee, and to the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians. We are grateful for your decision to include our crewmembers and employees of Flights 11, 77, 93, and 175 as a part of the permanent endowment ceremony for Fred Lebow in Central Park. The Tribe's desire to honor these victims was moving and inspirational. Thanks to your wife, Linda and to Bill Rodgers for making the final ceremony in Los Angeles so special.

To the women and men involved with the cleanup in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington: Godspeed and thank you for your efforts to return our nation to normalcy. Your courage and perseverance are a source of inspiration for generations to come. God bless you for all you have humbly endured.

To the people, press, and Governor John Rowland, of the great State of Connecticut: Five of your residents were instrumental in the success of this event. You repaid us with undying support from day one. You maintained constant daily coverage and enthusiasm. You gave us strength when we were down. You gave us a heroes welcome as we passed along the coast. You met us with open arms and grateful hearts upon our return. Thank you. The Connecticut Rolling Flags group of Waterbury, CT provided inspirational music and beautifully decorated vehicles from the CT border to Ground zero, without sleep. These veterans and patriots deserve our sincere thanks.

To the residents and friends of Thomaston, CT. I can't thank you enough for your support of my family and this 'crazy idea'. The welcome home was awesome!

To Thomaston Savings Bank, George Seabourne, Mark and Kathy Malley, Steve Turner (of Seabourne and Malley Law firm) and the Litchfield Insurance Group: your support from inception gave me strength, thank you. To all the corporate sponsors of this event: your belief and support in an American dream enabled us to help heal those we touched along the way. I will always buy your products and encourage many to do the same... Thank you and God bless you all.

To the women and men... active, reserve, and veteran... of the United States Armed Forces: You have the respect of the entire nation. Words cannot express our thanks for your selfless sacrifices on behalf of our individual freedoms. To those who have fought, are fighting, and will fight in the future... Godspeed, you have our eternal gratitude and undying support.

To the American Patriots of the National Team. You have sacrificed valuable, irreplaceable family time for over a month to make my vision a reality. I merely had an idea... you all made it happen. I admit I was not fun to be with and my decisions were not always timely or correct. I elected to run as much as physically possible, a decision which some of you questioned. If I had to do it all over again, I'd run more, meet more Americans, spend more time with children and veterans, and spend less time on the computer and the phone... and I'd bring our families along. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To all the victims of September 11, 2001: Rest peacefully and know that your lives were not lost in vain. This country is stronger and more united as a result of your ultimate sacrifices. May your loved ones seek comfort in the fact that you helped unify a nation and reinforce the ideals that made this country great.

To those countless folks I met along the way: You have provided me with memories that I will take to my grave and a renewed pride in our Nation. You have reinforced my belief in God, family, and country. God bless you, your families, and the United States of America.

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