9/11 Remembrance Flag Gaining Popularity

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Almost ten years ago, during the September 11th tragedy, like most people in the United States, a couple in Upstate New York were moved by the events they saw unfolding before them on television. A few days after the events that had the nation holding its collective breath, Steve and Joanne Galvin decided they wanted to do something more than give a one time monetary donation, so began the 9/11 National Remembrance Flag.

"It was just a few days after the 11th, that two news commentators were speaking of the tragedy and relating it to Pearl Harbor. It was disheartening to hear them say they did not recall the date of the attack," Joanne Galvin explained. She also said, soon after hearing this report, they saw a POW/MIA flag flying. That combination along with their desire to help, gave them the idea for the remembrance flag.

The flag's background is two panels of blue, colors of the state's flags where the planes went down, New York and Pennsylvania surrounding a black panel in the center to represent sorrow and reaching out to the victim's families. There are four stars on the flag, red, white and blue to represent the United States. The stars equally represent each site where a tragedy occurred that day.

The Galvin's filed for copyright on September 25, 2001 and received their first flags from their U.S. manufacturer in August, 2002. Sadly, since then Steve Galvin passed away from cancer in 2005 but true to her promise to him, Joanne continues with the remembrance flag. As of today, the flags are being flown in 47 states and 9 countries.

"Although we were fortunate that we did not lose anyone we personally knew that day, I truly believe we have touched the hearts of many families that did. When we receive phone calls and notes from family members thanking us for what we are doing - it is a feeling beyond words," Galvin explained.

"Besides the 3'x5' flags, there are patches, lapel pins, 4"x7" stickers, business card size stickers, handheld flags and Italian charms," Galvin said. "The business card sized stickers are popular with fire departments as they are perfect sized to place on their helmets, For the dress uniforms, the patches or pins are popular."

Galvin is also working with New York State Senator Michael Nozzolio to have a bill passed in Congress to allow the flying of the remembrance flag on flagpoles at state and federal buildings. Her hopes are that this bill would be passed before next year's ten year anniversary.

Proceeds from the sale of the flags go to various organizations. "In the past they have gone to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, local fire departments 9/11 fundraisers, events held for wounded soldiers that have served oversees, Pentagon Memorial Fund, Shanksville Memorial and the Twin Towers fund," Galvin said.

When they originally designed the flag, they had hoped it would one day become the official flag to represent September 11th. "I cannot say I would not be honored beyond words if that were to ever happen," Galvin said. "Of course, there are several other flag designs that have been created by other people as well. Some only represent one of the three places attacked on 9/11 - and some, like ours, incorporate all three events."

"Each time I attend a ceremony and witness the flag being raised in memory of those lost on 9/11, I am so thankful for all that I have and knowing that I might have helped in some small way," Galvin said.

Her goal is to continue to sell the flags to raise money to send to relief efforts. They are only available through her website at www.911remembranceflag.com.



Author:Barbara Brooks - Fire Department Network News