9/11 Tribute Patriot Relay

This past weekend I was honored to be a part of the 9/11 Tribute Patriot Relay in Hammond, WI. The 9/11 Tribute Patriot Relay Run was organized to raise funds for Patriot Runner, Jean Bringgold and Team Hope For The Warriors®. On November 4th, Jean will be joining Team Hope For the Warriors and carrying the American Flag through the streets of New York City as she runs the ING NYC Marathon. The mission of Hope For The Warriors® is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for service members and military families.

When you hear Jean talk about being a Patriot Runner, you can understand why she carries the flag. She has an amazing love for her country, pride in the men and women who fight for your freedom and is truly honored to waive the red, white and blue while doing something she loves. 

Jean Bringgold

During the relay, runners could walk or run 1/4 mile laps while carrying the flag that Jean will be carrying in the NYC marathon. When you look at the 3' x 5' flag, you'd think that running and carrying a flag wouldn't be that difficult. Well - after one lap around the track you'd be sadly mistaken. I chose to run 1 mile (4 laps around the track) with the flag and after the first lap I really felt the weight of the flag. But the weight I felt wasn't just in the aluminum post or the drag of the stars and stripes in the wind. It was the weight of what the flag meant. There I was, a woman, wearing a tank top and yoga pants, with the sun beaming on my exposed face, running for fun in a land where I can speak my mind, hold a job I love and have the life I chose to live all without the fear of being persecuted for it. I was carrying a flag that countless men and women had fought to protect, died to honor and lived to serve. It is a symbol of our freedom, a representation of the USA and a figure of what brought us together as a united country after 9/11. It stands for all the things that make America great - liberty, pride and honor. It is to be respected, held high and lit up so all can see it's beauty. At that moment I was carrying THE symbol of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and  honored every second I was able to hold her high. 

So, on the eve of the 11th anniversary of 9/11 (Patriot's Day), please take a moment to reflect on what the flag means to you. Also, remember that patriotism that you felt on 9/11/2001? This year don't just celebrate it on 9/11. Feel it, live it and honor it all year long. After all, the soldiers, police officers and firemen that keep this country and you safe don't just do their job one day a year - they serve us 24/7, 365 days a year.