Never forget 9/11
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Sentinel Photo/TRAVIS MORSE
WAVE THE FLAG — Litton Ambulance volunteer Terry Sledge was among those participating in Thursday morning’s Wave the Flag remembrance program in Jefferson County. During the event, first responders and other volunteers gathered at county overpasses to wave the flag and greet passing motorists, in honor of the Sept. 11 anniversary.
Submitted Photo
VETERANS GROUP — Several members of the Illinois Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 28 in Mount Vernon group gathered at the I-57 overpass south of Dix on Beal Road Thursday for the DAV’s Wave the Flag program.
Sentinel Photo/TRAVIS MORSE
ALWAYS REMEMBER – Mount Vernon Fire Department Firefighter Jacob Rapp, LEFT, prepares to join his colleagues to greet passing motorists on the interstate during Thursday’s Wave the Flag 9/11 remembrance program. Also pictured, FROM LEFT, are MVFD Firefighter Tanner Hill, MVFD Probationary Firefighter Nathan Groff, Wood River Fire Department Firefighter Anika Galbraith and MVFD Administrative Assistant Sara Hayes.
MOUNT VERNON — Jefferson County was awash in patriotism and national pride Thursday, as first responders, veterans groups and other supporters took part in this year’s Wave the Flag remembrance for 9/11.
During the event, police, fire and ambulance personnel — along with other volunteers — gathered at the Jefferson County overpasses to wave the American flag and greet passing motorists. This in turn prompted motorists to honk their horns and wave in honor of the occasion.
Thursday, Sept. 11 marked the 24th anniversary of the tragic Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that forever changed our country. Thousands of citizens, including many first responders, were lost that day and the Wave the Flag program seeks to pay tribute to those who died and ensure that we always remember 9/11.
“It’s always (for) the remembrance of Sept. 11, and what happened that day,” said Mount Vernon Fire Department Chief Chris Yenne.
On Thursday morning, MVFD, Litton Ambulance and Wood River Fire Department personnel were gathered at the Interstate 57 Exit 94 overpass. Some of them had participated in Wave the Flag before while others were new to the program.
“This is my first time,” said MVFD Firefighter Jacob Rapp. “I think it’s very important to remember all (of) the lives that (were) lost on 9/11. It was definitely a major event.”
Rapp added that they received positive responses from passing motorists.
“Everybody’s been waving, honking, they all seem to love it,” Rapp said. “A lot of thumbs ups. It seems to be going really well.”
Anika Galbraith, a paid on-call firefighter for Wood River Fire Department, was also new to the event and praised the program.
“I think it’s incredible, I think it’s beautiful to see everybody that waves back at us,” Galbraith said. “You know, none of these people, we don’t all know each other, so for everyone to kind of come together for a cause, I just think it’s gorgeous.”
MVFD Administrative Assistant Sara Hayes, a veteran of the program, called it a moving experience.
“I remember Sept. 11, so just coming out here and still seeing so many people that still care,” Hayes said.
Litton Ambulance volunteer Terry Sledge also has prior experience with the program. He said it’s important to honor those who were lost so people won’t forget about 9/11. Other participating agencies at overpasses Thursday included Mount Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Fire Protection District, Woodlawn Fire Protection District and more.
The Wave the Flag program is facilitated through Healing Of Our American Heroes (HOOAH). Steve England, HOOAH volunteer and program coordinator, started Wave the Flag by individually waving the flag over county overpasses about five years after the 9/11 attacks. Participation in the program then grew from there.
At the end of Thursday’s Wave the Flag activity, a free meal was offered that day for all of the first responders and volunteers who waved flags. The meal and ceremony were held at the Mount Vernon police station, featuring an opening prayer by Pastor Craig Smith and remarks by England. Lunch was provided by the Frosty Mug.
Also on Thursday, the Illinois Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 28 had its own Wave the Flag program on Beal Road at the Interstate 57 overpass south of Dix. About 12 DAV personnel were at the overpass that day, waving the flag. The DAV flag program was started about 15 years ago by DAV Chapter 28 Commander Harry Leneave, said Army Veteran Kevin Johnson, administrator of donations for the chapter.
“It’s been 24 years, it’s the 24th anniversary,” Johnson said of 9/11. “This is something we can’t forget. Our country was attacked, and we want to keep everyone in remembrance of that so it doesn’t happen again. And to honor the people that lost their lives on this day.”
