Raising the flag in unity 

Wreaths Across America invites everyone to join with the organization and raise or wave the flag from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 ”“ a tradition it began in the aftermath of 9/11.

National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) is calling for the nation to join with it on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 9 to 10 a.m. in flag-waving to remind all Americans of the feeling we had ”“ the pride in country, unity and patriotism ”“ in the days following 9/11/01. The event will be hosted live on WAA”™s”¯official Facebook page”¯and broadcast over”¯Wreaths Across America Radio. The broadcasts”¯will include interviews and stories from volunteers, supporters, Gold Star families, veterans, first responders and members of the next generation. 

WAA staffers gather every Tuesday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. to raise the American flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance from the Freeport Flag Ladies Monument on Route 1 in Jonesboro, Maine, near the “tip lands” where balsam is harvested to make veterans”™ wreaths for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day each December. The monument was built by WAA in partnership with its founder, Morrill Worcester, in September 2019, after the”¯Freeport Flag Ladies”¯retired following 18 years of waving the American Flag in Freeport, Maine, each Tuesday since Sept. 11, 2001.”¯ 

“Now, more than ever, it is so critical for communities to come together to remember all those who served and honor their service and their family”™s service, especially those who volunteered during the War on Terror following the events of Sept. 11, 2001,” said WAA Executive Director Karen Worcester. “But more than anything, we must teach our children about these men and women and the courage and commitment it takes to be a part of the small number of Americans who protect all our freedoms. Please join us on Sept.12, as we wave the American flag proudly like we do each Tuesday morning and never forget that freedom isn”™t free and must be protected.” 

”¯WAA encourages the American public to join this weekly tradition starting on Sept. 12 by sharing pictures and videos on social media using the hashtag”¯#FlagsAcrosstheCountry. You can also submit videos and photos on the following link. You can follow”¯WAA on Facebook to share where you are participating as well as your own social channels.”¯ 

”¯This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Dec. 16. To sponsor a $17 wreath for an American hero or learn more about volunteering, please visit”¯www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.