On Friday Nov 2,2001, I had the honor and privilege to be part of the team of runners who carried the American flag and the New Mexico state flag from Ft. Sumner to Yeso, New Mexico.

I arrived at Ft. Sumner while the full moon Illuminated the area like it was almost daylight. I walked about 1/2 mile east, and met the flag just as dawn was beginning to break, what as beautiful back-drop for our glorious flag and proud runners. I ran with the runners from Melrose the last 1/2 mile of their long 29 mile journey to Ft. Sumner.

We had a short break for the flag exchange, and a chance to meet the local citizens who were helping with the run, and who had come out at 6:30 am, to pay tribute to the flag.

A beautiful little nine year old girl named Anna, honored the runners by asking them to sign her "Flag Run" T-shirt.

Boys and Girls from Ft. Sumner High, and Jr. High, and their lady coach, honored their town by running the first seven miles of the 22 mile leg. Some of the runners went the whole distance with only the slightest amount of rest.

During the run, the flag waved proudly in the 10 mph breeze, and could not have been more spectacular in the morning sun. A herd of about 30 antelope scurried away on the south side of the road as we approached. A few miles further up the road, two beautiful horses, their coats shining in the sun, raced with the runners in their pasture, as if they also wanted to celebrated our great flag run across the USA.

All and all, it was an event like none other in my life, and I am so proud and honored to have been a part of it.

Frank McAndrew, Hobbs, NM

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