I first became aware of the flagrun when my daughter called me at work.  She referred me to the website, where I immediately found the registration page.  Without hesitation, I felt it was my duty to participate in such a momentous event commemorating those who lost their lives on 9-11-2001.

In my excitement, I began to notify fellow staff members of the flagrun, recruiting participants to join me in running with the American Flag, the symbol of our freedom.  When the dust had cleared, we were able to put together a team of eight runners.  We put our game plan together and established our departure time as our trip would take 4 hours to reach our staging area.  Needless to say, I awoke at about 1:00 am and had difficulty in ever going back to sleep.  So I made my coffee and began to prepare for the full schedule ahead of us.

We loaded into Chris Lujan's Recreation Vehicle and departed Safford, Arizona at 4:30 am and arrived in Springerville, AZ just in time to start our leg.  As we left the City of Springerville, the excitement of running with the American flag was incredible.  Amidst the cheers of the people along the route and the honking of horns in approval  was overwhelming.   The children singing and the excitement on their faces as we passed by and many times allowing them to touch or hold the flag was equally impressive.  The Veterans who stood at attention and saluted the flag and thanked us for what we were doing was worth every minute of this run.  What patriotism!!!

As we started our 45 mile journey, (much of which was isolated) I thought it would be difficult to stay motivated.  However, each time you carried the flag, it was like a boost of energy and pride, and all one could think about was those who died for their country and that this flag represented each and every one of those lives.  The victims and their survivors depended on us to instill pride in America and to never let those who suffered be forgotten.

Ten hours later, as we reached our destination we exited the RV, and together we completed the last mile as a team. I have never been prouder of a group of individuals as I was that day.  On our ride home, we each had time to reflect on the days events and how proud and lucky we were to live in the greatest country in the world.  Thanks to Arric Hampton, Jack Appleton, Chris Lujan, Kent McKinney, Roger Hardesty, Arturo Borrego, and Don Hinton.  We couldn't have done this without each of you.  The American Spirit is alive and well and we shall prevail over anyone who threatens our freedom!!

A special thanks to the coordinators at the National Level and for the Arizona leg, you all did a great job and you should be proud of what you have accomplished through this event.

God Bless America!!

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