Nov. 14,2001

I have just returned from California and the completion of the Americas United Flag Run Across America. I wanted to inform you as to the great success it has been. The tragedy that happened in N.Y. on Nov. 12 made for a difficult conclusion for such a spectacular event. After spending time with many Airline family members of victims of September 11 I now had the opportunity to view their courage as they help many of the pilots, whose home base was N.Y., deal with their difficult time as we heard the breaking news of what had just happened. Many of the victim family members I had spoken with told me what a great thing the Flag Run had been and how it was helping them with their healing. The Flag Run had done that large part of its job.

But, there was a lot more to it than that. It showed how others across our great nation had felt the pain of September 11 and wanted only a way to help out. It showed everyone that patriotism was on the minds of all Americans. This was an opportunity for the school children to learn that together as a nation they need not fear the terrible acts they had recently seen and that their friends, families, and nation is there to protect them.

The strength of runners to carry a flag from one coast to another was something that words alone could not describe. But, more than that was the firefighters, policemen, school children, parents, elderly, and the many others standing by the side of the road as we passed just so they could be part of this amazing journey. With the Flags raised as high as people could reach and sirens from fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars screaming out, many times I had all I could do to hold back my tears of pride.

This has touched me in a way that I wish I could express in words and share with you but, words alone will never be enough. The stories I came home with were heart rendering and I will always feel deep down inside.

I want to thank American Airlines First Officer Mike Burr for asking me to come along and help out in the event of any medical emergencies that might arise and an EMT was needed. I also want to thank the others who put this great event together. Thanks must go out to all who supported us along the way, without them it could never have taken place.

In conclusion, when ever I try to explain what I was involved in I would talk a little about the flag run but would always tell someone they had to visit the web site and see the pictures, read the diaries to get a clear view so, http://www.flagrun2001.org/

Walter Klauber
(EMT-I State of Conn.)

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