nmah803.xml

nmah803.xml

born-digital

story

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no

2002-09-03

SEPTEMBER 11TH ESSAY
Commemorative Edition
THE TENNESSEAN
Nashville, TN
Lynn A. Hafner


Our hearts stopped, the earth stood still, we watched, waited, prayed and hoped. The

words most whispered hung on the lips of all, where are my children, relatives and

friends, are they OK, did we know any one there.


9 11 was a wake up call for the entire world and especially Americans. Regardless

of prior incidents against the United States, many believed not us, it doesnt happen

here, this is America!


The clean up began, the days past and the dust settled. It was true, there were few to

no survivors and so many lost. Everyone in this country experienced a bonding as

never before. Heros praises were sung, contributions and support to help the victims

and their families exceeded all expectation. Help came from everywhere. A new wave

and show of Patriotism swept the country….


Since 9-11, the American flag has been displayed everywhere. From lapel pins to

underwear, the red, white and blue Stars and Stripes abound. Americans rallied to

show their true colors, their support of their government and their solidarity in

defeating terrorists and terrorism in the United States and throughout the World.


In my work place I see hundreds of large trucks displaying American flags every day.

After 9-11, those flags increased a hundred-fold. They are literally painted and pasted

on the sides of the trucks and flying on multiple antennas.


A few days after 9-11, one of the truck drivers, a tall, thin, older man, neatly dressed in

jeans, cowboy boots and hat, sleeveless tee-shirt, sporting a few tattoos walked up the

stairs to the platform to load his truck. He started and then stopped, went down the

stairs, opened his truck door, reached inside and pulled out a small American flag on a

stick and a roll of tape. He climbed the stairs again and taped the flag on the very top

hand rail and then finished loading his truck. As he passed by the flag on his way down

the stairs, he stared at it and as he reached the very bottom step, he turned, stood and

stared up at the small flag he had just secured to the rail. He took his hat off and

saluted the flag, turned and climbed into his truck and drove off. I was stunned and

totally caught off guard.


Over the next few months, as 100s of truck drivers climbed those stairs, they would

stop, look at the flag, some would salute, some would smile and give a nod, others

checked to make sure it was secure, even reinforcing the tape. There was an incredible

show of reverence and pride for such a small replica of a symbol that means so much.

If ever there was any doubt as to the strength and depth of the feelings Americans have

for their country, it was forever erased in the display of respect, awe and caring

displayed by those men and women who paid homage to that American flag.


A sever storm broke the flagstick a month or so ago. The flag ended up hanging in my

work area in the window for all to see. It is a constant reminder of who we are and what

we stand for in this country and what we must never forget……THIS IS AMERICA, THE

LAND OF THE FREE and UNITED WE STAND.

I have added an american flag to my vehicle. I have always displayed one at home. I now have multiple flags in my work area where the public can see them.