November 12, 2001
Flag Across America Diary
Susan Weaver

I have been thinking about my personal diary for over a week now. The flag has reached LA and my diary entry is past due, but I continue to struggle with appropriate words to express what this event has meant to me in a most personal way. As I heard, “God Bless America” this Veteran’s Day, with tears streaming down my cheeks, I was reminded again that I am different from the person who began this event less than four weeks ago. May I continue to be different for a lifetime because of this event!

I was thrilled to read about Flag Across America and awed by the opportunity to participate! Before I finished reading the article (I didn’t even know the route!), I signed up to run! Upon completing the article, I realized the flag would pass through my state and that volunteers would be a necessity in ensuring success in Oklahoma. I then sent in an offer to help as needed. Within hours I received a phone call from Deb Schraeder, and I agreed to help with coordination in the great state of Oklahoma. I knew the job would be huge, but I never doubted the opportunity and the difference it could make in the lives of many.

The next 10-12 days were some of the busiest I have ever experienced. Tim, Fritz, and Dave joined me as coordinators, and we were off and running. Countless hours on the computer, numerous phone calls, meetings, trips across the state, maps, letters, questions, media requests, and the list goes on, became my life! There were many nights that I wondered if I would ever sleep again for more than a few hours at a time, and coffee became my favorite food group! Volunteers came from everywhere to get involved. Their attitudes were energetic and willing! I was excited about what was happening and eagerly anticipating Old Glory’s arrival.

I left my home in Stillwater on Saturday, October 27, so Dave and I could meet in Norman that evening prior to the flag’s arrival at the border on Sunday afternoon. After three hours in a restaurant (we were joined by Mark and Sharlene Klein), Dave and I were set to drive south to bring the flag into OK. I was so exhausted by this point in the planning of the event that it was time to participate in the actual Flag Across America in Oklahoma because that would be the part to touch peoples’ lives and create lifetime memories.

As we drove toward Texas on Sunday morning, I began to catch a glimpse of the potential this run had for people everywhere. All the countless hours of work during the previous days dwindled to minutes, and my tired body was energized as I began to meet the folks I had only known through e-mail and phone calls. I was overwhelmed by their gratitude and sense of pride at the adventure we would embark on for the next sixty hours. As an OK Coordinator, I felt so small in a state of folks who were willing to give so much of themselves during the sixty hours we traveled with the flag.

Runners came from so many places within this state and from so many other states to run with the flag. Most of them ran further than they ever anticipated. They carried the flag long after they tired. They passed the flag to others so everyone could participate in this once in a lifetime experience. They shared stories and created new ones. Volunteers stretched themselves in directions that may have seemed impossible. They never expressed anything less than a “can do” attitude. They saw a need and took care of it. Escort personnel spent countless hours with us on the road. They kept us safe and moved forward when changes were needed. The media worked diligently to capture our enthusiasm and to help us get the message out so everyone could participate. Spectators lined the streets and highways through the days and into the nights. From young children to senior adults, I saw pride and honor as the flag passed. I saw a commitment to keep this great country united.

The flag moved forward, and I continued to learn so much from so many. These are the lessons that have become my focus since the flag left Oklahoma. I am so proud to be an Oklahoman and an American! I firmly believe, now more than ever, that this is the greatest state in the USA. We have some incredible young people in this state! They are proud of Old Glory. We must make sure each young person has the opportunity to learn what the flag represents and how to serve our country well. We have some great leadership in this state. We must continue to support and assist those in leadership positions, not just when times are good, but especially when times are difficult. We have military personnel in this state that are so worthy of our honor and respect. We must not take those for granted who have served us in the past (I heard many of their stories) and those who are willing to serve us in the present and in the future. People united for a common cause can make a difference. We must continue to stand united as a state and as a nation in our resolve to move forward when some steps seem too big to take alone.

Words of spiritual encouragement and prayers brought Old Glory into Oklahoma and carried her safely throughout this great state. I was honored to share with so many how mighty our God is in every situation! May we continue to believe and to share this message!

I must be different because of AAmericans/United Flag Across America. So many have gone before me to ensure my freedom and responsibilities as an American, and I must make contributions for those to follow so they too can share in that freedom and assume those responsibilities. I am humbled.

Susan Weaver
OK Coordinator

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