The flag, which is made up of nearly 3,000 smaller American flags each bearing the name of a life lost on September 11, 2001 and the national flags of those from other countries who were victims of the terrorist attacks that day, will be on display at the museum through Friday, Sept. 20.
An honor guard from American Legion Brown and Lynch Post #9 stood at attention as members of the Easton police and fire departments assisted flagkeeper Thomas McBrien with the raising.
After the 22-by-32-foot banner was raised in the second floor gallery of the museum, a prayer was offered by local pastor Mike Dowd, the national anthem was sung Renee Mowad.Speaking to the crowd, McBrien said the memorial flag not only honored the lives lost in the terrorist attacks 12 years ago, but offered comfort to the grieving.
"People wanted to do something, but they didn't know what to do," he said.
More than 450 children, senior citizens, Scouts, and others volunteered their time to create the flag, which took more than six months to make, McBrien said.
Congressman Charlie Dent and state Representative Bob Freeman, along with Easton Mayor Sal Panto, were also on hand for the ceremony.The memorial flag, as a symbol of remembrance, is apt, Dent said, adding, "Every one of us can remember where we were on September 11 in 2001."
Freeman noted that the American flag is a symbol of hope as well as the representation of our nation.
"We are as much an ideal as a nation," Freeman said. "We have to live true to that which we represent."
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| Easton Police Officer Carl Faulkner adds his signature to the many other first responders' at the flag's edge. |
"We are still the shining star...and we need to act like that," the mayor said. "Democracy is not a spectator sport."
The Sigal is the 89th location it has been displayed. After its stay in Easton, it will be moved to Fort Dix.
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