Patriot Flag Part II

Once the Flag was raised and flying a quiet came over the crown. Seemed everyone was alone with their private thought. As I gaze up my mind wandered to the day September 11 2001, then to back to Vietnam seemed I could not stay focused. My thoughts were broken by the Pledge of Allegiance followed by our National Anthem. I wondered what had happened since September 11^th, how people and our government reacted seemed like we were all one. My how soon the masses have forgotten after Pearl Harbor we didn’t forget. Now most have moved on and do not even think we were attacked. The fifty-five minutes have passed so quickly now it time to lower and fold Old Glory. My emotions flowed with tears running down my cheeks I didn’t try to hold them back. Folding such are large flag proved to be a massive undertaking most had never folded a flag quietly Taz and I provide guidance on how to fold the flag. As quickly as it had begun it was over. As I rode home I thought what a great thing had happened where I live. I got to touch a piece of history, show my respect and honor all those affected by the attach on our nation September 11^th 2001.

 

You can see more photos by going to the News Heald

Read the News Herald Story

Patriot Flag

The alarm went off at 6 am my first thought was why am I getting up so early. As I tried to fully wake up I smoked a cigarette and drank a cup of coffee a peering into the gray fog of early morning on the bayou in January. With my brain starting to work I knew I had to get going the Patriot Flag honoring all those who gave their all on September 11, 2001 was coming to Bay County Florida.  The Patriot Flag is 30 feet by 58 feet in size and will be flown in all fifty states in fifty weeks. It is flown in honor of all those killed on September 11, 2001 it will be flown for fifty-five minutes at each location. The fifty-five minutes represents the time from the first  airplane hitting the World Trade Center until the collapse of the twin towers.

After getting cleaned up and dressed I started up my Harley Davidson Road King and headed out into the fog. As I rode along thought the country side my mind wandered back to September 11^th and the innocent killing, suddenly the fog lifted  about six feet off the ground and I was focused back on the road.

I arrived at our meeting point for the escort great several old friends many were Vietnam Veterans like myself.  We made small talk while we waited on the flag arrival.  Finally, It was here and were started the escort to the downtown city marina where the 911 memorial is located. The escort was uneventful until we reached the marina suddenly I could see the Fire latter trucks, Firemen, EMT, Law Enforcement, Veterans and the general public. My heart started pounding as we dismounted or motorcycles and approached the vehicle with the flag. What does  thirty by fifty-eight foot American Flag look like folded like and how much does it weight? Wow there it is, 60 pounds of red, white & blue Old Glory!

Taz took the lead and coordinated with the fire department on how we would secure the flag to the latter trucks, unfold and raise the flag. The time came we carefully carried Old Glory over to the ladder trucks they lowered both ladders and the flag was secure. Right on queue everyone lined up to help unfold and raise the flag. Is was so quiet as we accomplished this honorable task everyone was in the moment. Up Old Glory went into the fog as it reached the top the fog slowly cleared and the sun broke thru. More to come on Wednesday.

 

Fly this flag in 50 states in 5o days!

Panama City Florida WWR Sanctioned event

Fellow WWR members,

We have a sanctioned event that we have been asked to be a part of. An organization is carrying a 30’ x 58’ flag across 50 states in 50 weeks , honoring those that lost their lives on 9-11. This flag will be in Panama City on Tuesday, the 18th. The flag will be raised between 2 fire department ladder trucks over the 9-11 memorial at the city marina. It will be followed be the pledge of allegiance and a brief ceremony. This flag will go through all of the states and have a final ceremony in NYC on 09/11/11, where it will be retired.

Our mission is to escort the cage (Ann Haigh, WWR member), with the flag to the marina. We will then assist in raising the flag. This will take place on Tuesday the 18th, at 10:00 am.

Stage info:

Stage location: Parking lot across the street from 1st Baptist Church. (Harrison ave. and Business hwy 98)

Stage time: 8:00 am

Ride Captain: Paul Taz Ladouceur

For more information, check out their website.

http://www.publicsafety.net/thepatriotflag.htm

Lunar eclipse

Watch the eclipse…after midnight. First time since 1638 full lunar eclipse on soltice (longest night of year). It is very special, starting about mid night in central time zone.