October 15, 5:30 a.m. - Departed Cincinnati for Richmond, VA
October 15, 3:30 p.m. - Arrive in Richmond
October 16, 2001 - Chesterfield, VA

We arrived at our meeting point at 6:15 a.m. At that time, only 3 of the 5 runners had arrived to cover the 30 mile segment. By 6:45, the flag was making it's way toward us in the dark, led by local and state police, lights flashing, followed by a local fire company, it's lights flashing. What an emotionall sight! These folks had taken turns running the flag along dark, quiet streets/highways all night, and had reached their destination 20 minutes early. They all said they would continue on if needed, but by that time, we had 11 runners for our segment--many of whom had heard about the run from either tv or radio, and took a chance they could show up and participate. There was a woman who was having surgery that day, a 15 year old, a man recovering from his second marathon in 6 weeks, people in their 20's, 30's, 40's, from all walks of life coming together for a single purpose.

While we were preparing to start, an older gentleman approached me and asked if he could hold the flag for a minute. He gently took the flag, asked his wife to take a picture. He literally held the flag for what seemed like five minutes, almost studying it. It was clear that this man was a veteran. Can you imagine what the flag meant to him???? He turned to me, and as he handed the flag back to me, said, "I think it's wonderful what you all are all doing." I told him it was my honor to carry the flag for my country. He responded with teary eyes, "God Bless You."

Ten minutes later, we were called to our starting point, and began our run, escorted by 2 VA state police cruisers, 1 Chesterfield, PA police motorcycle, and 1 Chesterfield, VA fire company. It's virtually impossible to explain the emotions I experienced from the moment I took hold of that flag, raised it over my head, and led my team down Route 1. We immediately came upon a huge intersection, which was at a complete standstill. From the time we started through the intersection, we heard horns honking, and shouts of "God Bless America". As we continued on, the honking continued. Some folks pulled their cars over and got out to watch. Many stood quietly and solemnly watched as we passed. Construction workers shut off their equipment, took off their hard hats, placed them over their hearts, and shouted, "God Bless You!". I told a man running next to me that after the tragedies, I felt so small. On that day, at the moment I took the flag and began running, I no longer felt small. You see, I'm a citizen of the greatest country on earth. A new generation has been called upon to stand up and fight, and an older generation has been reminded why they fought so hard. Where else would you see so many different people all coming together to run a flag from Boston to LA in complete defiance of those that try to terrorize us? Where else would you see a flag stir so much in the people it represents?

I've never been as proud as I was for those amazing 3 miles. Proud of my country and all the heroes who fought for it, and who continue to fight. I gave them my best. I ran with my heart. This run will benefit the victims' families, but I think it will also benefit all those who participated in this incredible event, whether running, volunteering, or just watching it go by. I know it made a difference in my life.

Thank you all for your words of support and encouragement. I'm including another link to the run's website, as well as some pictures from the run. Please visit this site and spread the word about the run that continues until November 11.

Flag run official website
http://www.flagrun2001.org/ B103 (local radio station) photos
http://richmondsb103.com/features/flagrun2.html
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Julie

My photos:

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