The 9/11 Restoration tour is a mission to rebuild the flag that hung nearly destroyed after the attack on the world trade center. “The National 9/11 Flag” has been traveling across the country, making stops in all 50 states. The flag represents the tragic events of September 11^th, but essentially the freedom, liberty, and patriotism demonstrated throughout the country since the attack.

The flag was taken down during the clean up process after 9/11, and was stored away for seven years. It was then moved by a volunteer firefighter of the “New York Says Thank You Foundation” and brought to a town in Kansas that had been damaged by a tornado.

After rebuilding the town, residents decided to repair the flag that had been brought to them.  This event sparked a restoration movement to have every state repair the tattered flag to its full 13 stripes and 50 stars to be presented at the 10-year anniversary of 9/11.

Throughout the last year, the flag has taken trips throughout the country gaining stories of courage and memories along the way. Local service heroes along with veterans, first responders, volunteers, and those who lost loved ones in the attack were invited to stitch a thread on the flag, in the end making it whole again.

Many monumental figures have also contributed to rebuilding the flag. Martin Luther King’s family added a stitch, along with members of congress, and veterans on the USS Missouri during Pearl Harbor.

The flag has taken breaks at many well-known locations such as Mount Rushmore, Kennedy Space Center, and various other sites.

The additional flags that were added to “The National 9/11 Flag” to help complete it, include monumental ones from all over the country and dating back in history.  The piece of flag that Lincoln was placed upon after he was shot was stitched onto the Restoration Flag. Another flag was taken from Mount Rushmore where it stood tall on the day of 9/11.

Jeff Pareness, the chairperson of the “New York Says Thank You Foundation” said, “The National 9/11 Flag is a living testament to the resilience and compassion of the American people,” he continues to say, “It is the modern day version of ‘The Star Spangled Banner.”

After its finished, “The National 9/11 Flag” will be placed in the National September 11 Memorial Museum, which opens next week  and stands where the WTC once did.

This Sunday, on the 10^th anniversary of 9/11, the country will remember thoughts of sadness, grief, and a torn flag that hung almost in pieces 10 years ago. But this time America can remember that same flag, looking more vibrant then ever, and think of the country’s strength and unity it demonstrated in the aftermath of 9/11.

“The National 9/11 Flag’s” motto is “Rebuilding America, One stitch at a Time,” and has been a message to thank American’s for their heroism and generosity.

Image courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/6124109199/

Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the author

Samantha Steinberg
A Junior at Rutgers University studying political science and communication. Interests include writing, international affairs, and travel. I hope to make a difference in the world and raise awareness through my writing.