Late afternoon on Tuesday August 31st, dozens of parishioners of all ages came together to plant 1,500 flags on the front and side lawns of our parish. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for the parish team of volunteers to make its mark on the approaching 20th Anniversary of 9/11. Standing amidst the flags is a sign donated by a parishioner that reads, “Thank you safety forces,” along with three beautiful, handmaid wreaths commemorating the Flight 93, the Pentagon, and Twin Tower attacks, original designs by Patty Shell. Passerby and even local law enforcement demonstrated support by way of sounding their horns.
No act of patriotism is too small or insignificant. Ed Pfahl, the foreman behind this “Flags of Thanks” project agrees. On this special 20th year anniversary of that fateful 9/11/01, Ed wanted to add something to our annual commemoration by giving back to local safety forces, while including a visible sign to the community that we not only remember 9/11, but we celebrate the freedoms we hold dear through the bravery of those willing to stand in our defense at all cost. And 1,500 flags still isn’t enough. Volunteers from the evening’s flag planting all agreed that the entire front yard needs to be filled with flags and wrote checks right then and there to purchase more of them. Stay tuned for the final outstanding result. Until then, take a drive by our humble church and see the display for yourself by daylight, or illumined at night. You’ll find the breathtaking tribute refreshing to the heart and spirit. “For only where the spirit of God is, is there liberty” (Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen).
For more information on our “Flags of Thanks” project and how to donate to raise funds for safely equipment for local law enforcement, click here. Our fundraiser runs through September 10th.
Please join us for our annual commemoration of 9/11 on the “Day before,” September 10th, 2021 at 7pm. Click here for full details.