LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Flag Brigade to Mark 15th Anniversary of 9/11


The Flag Brigade will mark 15 years since 9/11. Photo Gint Federas

As it has done unfailingly since the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Lafayette Flag Brigade will mark this year's 15th anniversary with a remembrance and candlelight vigil on the El Curtola Bridge overcrossing, high above Highway 24.

This is a family oriented, educational and nonpolitical event. This year particularly its emphasis is on educating those younger than 20 years old who would have been too young to remember the events of 9/11. The bridge will feature educational displays, including a Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, 2001, newspaper headlines display booth. Free commemorative flags will be available for children.

The largest overpass flag display in the state is fully sanctioned by the California Highway Patrol as it has been for many years.

The remembrance starts at 4 p.m. and includes local Blue Star Moms, a special patriotic musical program and Lafayette Boy Scouts Troop 243, who will be presenting the colors. Local speakers will reflect on 9/11 and how it personally affected them. This will include an open mic for those in attendance wishing to speak. As before, residents are encouraged to join in and to bring their special flag to display. The participants fly the flags in honor of those who died but also rally around the flag that unites all and defines us as Americans.

At dusk the candlelight vigil will begin. Since it is the 15th anniversary, the organizers are hoping to "pack the bridge." They anticipate this will be the largest candlelight vigil to date.

Jim Minder is the Lafayette Flag Brigade founder. "The words, 'never forget' are a reminder that history repeats itself, but they also represent a battle cry, much the same as 'remember Pearl Harbor' or 'remember the Alamo' were calls to arms," he says.

He says that over the years they have relied on volunteers to help and this year is no exception. If you would like to help, contact Patty O'Day at 925-209-5250.

To find out more, visit the website www.nevereverforget911.com.