Join Wreaths Across America for special 9/11 Remembrance

I still remember exactly what I was doing and who I was with on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. It was just a little before nine am and my then 2- year old daughter and I were preparing to watch Sesame Street when I got the call from my husband who was on his way to work. That call changed our day and world forever. Do you remember where you were on that tragic day in American history? This year, I’ve been invited to join Wreaths Across America for a special remembrance to honor the Freeport Flag Ladies and those affected by 9/11 and wanted to share their story and extend the invitation to you.

My thanks to Wreaths Across America for sharing information for today's post and for sending me a complimentary Balsam wreath to commemorate 9/11. No further compensation was given. All opinions are my own. 

About September 11, 2001: 

Most adults know this history lesson because we lived it, but I just wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t give a brief over-view today. 

At 8:46 a.m., On Tuesday, September 11^th, 2001, five hijackers took control of American Airlines Flight 11 and flew it into the heart of New York City and the northern facade of the World Trade Center's North Tower (1 WTC).

 

At 9:03 a.m., five other hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into the southern facade of the South Tower (2 WTC).

 

After getting the call from my husband, I turned on the TV just in time to see the second plane strike the South Tower. At first, I thought it was a replay of the first tower attack, but soon realized I was wrong, and I broke the news to my husband. We were devastated that something like this could happen in America. 

How the Freeport Flag Ladies Came to Be:

Following the events of 9/11, three patriotic women (Elaine Greene, Joann Miller and Carmen Foote) were moved to find an old American flag they had stored at home and stand on a hill in Freeport, Maine, waving that flag to honor victims. These women became nationally known as “TheFreeport Flag Ladies,” and proudly hoisted the Stars and Stripes every Tuesday morning for the following 18 years.

How Wreaths Across America Stepped In:

After they retired on September 11, 2019, (their last 9/11 remembrance) the following Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Wreaths Across America took the helm and continued the weekly flag waving tradition along US Route 1 in Jonesboro, Maine, on land donated by the organization’s founder Morrill Worcester leading to the new Acadia National Cemetery.

 
Since that time Mr. Worcester has added a mile stretch of American flags (105 in total) on both sides of the road that lead to the entrance of Acadia National Cemetery which will open to the public for the first time on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020. Mr. Worcester also donated the land for this new National Cemetery to be built in his hometown.

 
According to Karen Worcester, the executive director of Wreaths Across America, each Tuesday, we are joined by dozens of members of the local community and curious people stopping to be part of something meaningful.  She says, “especially over the last six months, this flag waving has taken on new meaning for us all and given a spark of hope and patriotism during this difficult time in our country.”
 
 
Participants are encouraged to take video and pictures of their participation in the national flag waving and share them with Wreaths Across America, their family and their friends to help REMEMBER, HONOR and TEACH the generation born after 9/11, how hard times can strengthen us as a nation. Please use the hashtag #FlagsAcrosstheCountry and #AmericaStrong when posting on social media.

“My husband and the community’s commitment to the mission and continuation of this important weekly tradition has taken on the additional meaning of American unity during this uncertain time,” added Karen. “I hope Americans will see this as an opportunity to not only honor those directly affected by 9/11, but also to follow in the footsteps of “The Freeport Flag Ladies.”

More About Wreaths Across America:

Wreaths Across America is the non-profit organization best known for placing veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our nation’s fallen at Arlington National Cemetery. However, the organization, in total, places more than 2 million sponsored wreaths at over 2200 participating locations nationwide and offers other programs throughout the calendar year. These programs remember the events of 9/11 in their own way such as The Mobile Education Exhibit which will be visiting Kentucky in September and will join in the national flag waving effort. Radio host  Michael W. Hale of Wreaths Across America Radio will hold on-air tributes, and the on-line store will be selling #AmericaStrong signs made by the brother of “Lone Survivor” Marcus Lutrell.

Sponsor A Wreath:

 

You can sponsor a wreath for $15 at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/. Each sponsorship goes toward a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest on Saturday, December 19, 2020, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. 

 

 

I can attest to the wreaths beauty after receiving one. I kept it indoors for a couple of days, just to experience the wonderful scent of Balsam on a hot summer’s day. I then made a festive fall bow for my wreath and hung it outside. 

Join us!

I hope you’ll join us on Tuesday, 9/11 by going outside and waving a flag in remembrance! If you have work, like so many do, why not hang a flag now and just take a moment of silence at 8:46 and 9:03 am?

Also, if at all possible, please sponsor a wreath so we can help remember our hero's! 

Please share in comments: Where were you on 9/11?