The Macomb Fire Department is participating in the National 9/11 “Freedom Flag” Raising Call to Action today (Patriot Day, September 11), which marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the nation.
“As we mark the 25th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001, and a generation ago, the Freedom Flag will be a constant reminder for future generations of the sacrifices that were made that day,” said Mayor Mike Inman. “It is a privilege for the City of Macomb to fly this flag in remembrance.”
As a participant, the department received a 9/11 Freedom Flag from the Freedom Flag Foundation, which will be flown annually on Patriot Day, below the US Flag, through the month of September. MFD also received a World Trade center steel artifact, which was recovered from the tower, along with a copy of “Unfurling the Freedom Flag – A 9/11 Story” by Tara R. Krohn.
“This is a project that Lt. (Ethan) Taylor brought to me recently, and I immediately said ‘Yes, whatever we need to do.’ Receiving these items are very meaningful,” said MFD Chief Dan Meyer. “I was a probationary firefighter on that day, and it was a poignant moment in history. I saw these buildings on fire and the plane hitting the second building. It definitely changed the fire services from that day forward. Having these here is very emotional and a powerful reminder of all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice that day. This not only serves to honor those who passed, but to provide future generations with the reminder of the sacrifices that occurred September 11, 2001 and for many years following.”
The Freedom Flag was created as a simple sketch on a napkin that ultimately became Virginia’s Official Flag of Remembrance for 9/11. Today, the Freedom Flag is the nation’s only codified 9/11 flag of remembrance, and it has been flown or displayed in nearly 2,500 schools, fire stations and civic buildings in all 50 states.
September 11, 2001, was the deadliest attack on US soil since the Civil War and the deadliest terrorist attack in world history.
In total, 2,977 lives were lost in New York City, at the Pentagon (Arlington County, VA) and on Flight 93 (near Shanksville, PA), including citizens from over 90 nations.
Since 9/11, more than 3,000 first responders have perished from 9/11-related illnesses (a toll that is still rising), and more than 7,000 US soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation’s freedom around the globe.
Approximately 100 million Americans have been born in the United States since 9/11 or were too young to remember the events – nearly 30% of the U.S. population.
Through the Call to Action, the Macomb Fire Department and the Freedom Flag Foundation share a commitment to uphold America’s promise to “Never Forget.”
