Get the Flash Player to see this content.

This is the thirty-sixth state patch made for the National 9/11 Flag restoration project.  The National 9/11 Flag was brought to Tucson, Arizona on July 8, 2011, the sixth month anniversary of the shooting in Tucson, for a display and stitching ceremony at the University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall. 

There were two red patches made from two retired flags donated by the Northwest Fire District Offices in Tucson.  The patches were made by cutting out most of the red stripes from each of the donated flag    The first patch is 18 inches high by 30 inches long and is positioned right next to the blue field on the eleventh stripe (red) from the bottom.  The second patch is 18 inches high by 18 inches wide and is located at the right edge of the eleventh stripe (red) from the bottom.  Four of the eleven flags originally sewn on the National 9/11 Flag in Greensburg in 2008 had been removed to make room for the patches.

The patches were sewn by 395 people during the ceremony including members of Representative Gabby Gifford’s office as well as first responders and others who were at the site of the shooting six months earlier.  The stitching ceremony had two stitching stations, one on the right edge and one in the center of the flag to accommodate the patch locations.   The remains of the two flags used in making the patch were retuned to the donors.

Members of the Flag Tour Team participating in the ceremony included Jeff Parness, Carolyn Deters, Wendy Hauser and Veronica Christensen and FDNY firefighters Jimmy Sands, Kevin Adkinson and Bill Ingram.

The location of the two Arizona patches are outlined on the picture below.

This is the forty-first state patch made for the National 9/11 Flag restoration project.  The National 9/11 Flag was brought to Huntsville, Alabama on July 22, 2011 for a display and stitching ceremony at The Huntsville Jaycees Building.

The white state patch was made from two retired flags both donated by the Phoenix Company in Huntsville.  The patch was made by cutting out a 6 white stripes from the donated flags.  The patch is 18 inches high by 20 inches long and was sewn into an area on the 12th stripe (white) from the bottom, located approximately 8 feet from the right edge of the Flag.

The patch was sewn by 256 people during the ceremony.  About 20 employees of the Phoenix Company came to the ceremony to volunteer their time and to place a stitch.

The remains of the two flags used in making the patch have been retuned to the donors.

Members of the Flag Tour Team present at the ceremony were Dennis and Carolyn Deters, Wendy Hauser and FDNY firefighter Jimmy Sands.

The location of the Alabama patch is highlighted on the picture below.

JASON HOLCOMB
(Nominated by Fire Chief Michael L. Kuk)
The State Capitol Building
April 15, 2011

Jason has been serving as a Volunteer Firefighter and Fire Chief for well over 21 years.  He dedicates much of his free time to supporting the State of Louisiana Fallen Firefighter Walk of Honor Foundation, and participates in the annual ceremony, plus other events throughout the State.  I consider him to be an ideal candidate because of his long and dedicated service record.


KEVIN DAVIS
(Nominated by Kathy Lowrey)
North Shore Harbor Center
April 17, 2011

It is my honor to nominate Parish President Kevin Davis for this distinguished recognition.  In the past decade Kevin has exemplified the true meaning of a hero for our community and its residents.  Kevin’s involvement runs the gamut from projects that enhance our quality of life, to national level representation, garnering support for residents in need.  Some examples of such projects are development of the St. Tammany Trace, establishment of the Commission on Cultural Affairs and the Annual President’s Arts Awards, and development of a strategic plan to successfully protect Lake Pontachatrain during the recent oil spill. In both the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the more recent Gulf oil spill, Kevin proved his dedication to the people of St. Tammany Parish, through his relentless efforts to protect and rebuild our community.  Because of his invaluable leadership, tremendous vision and relentless tenacity, the residents of Slidell and St. Tammany have not only survived, but have thrived.  We are proud to call him our hero.

VIOLA COCRAN
(Nominated by Adele Wimberty)
North Shore Harbor Center
April 17, 2011

Ms. Viola is an outstanding member of the Slidell community.  She has been volunteering in organizations all of her life. She is at Slidell Memorial Hospital daily and volunteers hours like a full time employee. She has been a member of the Slidell Women’s Civic Club and has never missed a meeting in over 40 years.  She deserves to be honored to make a few stitches in this flag.

BOB CONIGLIONE
(Nominated by Fred Zeile)
North Short Harbor Center
April 15, 2011

Bob Coniglione is a true Hometown/Service Hero who has faithfully served his community and country throughout his distinguished military career and continues to serve in his post military life. Bob is a retired Master Chief Petty Office in the US Navy, have served honorably as the Force Master Chief for the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command with over 2,000 officers and sailors deployed around the world. Master Chief Coniglione has served at sea in both the Atlantic and Pacific. His focus throughout his time in the military was to continually support the enlisted sailors under his command. Since his retirement from the Navy in 1999, Bob has served as the General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) Operations Director for Navy and NOAA programs at Stennis Space Center. He continues to serve the Gulf Coast community in a variety of leadership roles, including leading and organizing the Annual Gulf Coast Salute to the Military. The impressive black-tie event, hosted by either Senator Cochran or Wicker, brings together about 1,600 local citizens to demonstrate their appreciation for the military personnel stationed here. Bob is a native New Yorker, grew up in Brooklyn, and worked as a security guard at the World Trade Center prior to entering the Navy. It is most fitting for Bob to be recognized at this 911 Flag Ceremony in Slidell.

FRED ZEILE
(Nominated by Bob Coniglione)
North Shore Harbor Center
April 17, 2011

Fred embodies everything the American Flag represents.  He is a proud American who earned acceptance to the US Naval Academy and then served 20 years retiring as a Commander.  He went to Viet Nam and served aboard combat ships and later commanded a forward deployed unit in Keflavick Iceland to help end the cold war.  He became a scientist.  He’s dedicated his post naval career to helping understand our oceans and how we need to treat them so our great grand children can enjoy the fruits and beauty of our planet.  Fred contributes to programs dedicated to our troops like the Wounded Warrior program.  He stands at attention when he hears the National Anthem and he wipes away a tear when it’s over.  I want Fred to stitch the Flag because I know he would give his life to protect it.

LOUISE MACE
(Nominated by Kathy Lowrey)
North Shore Harbor Center
April 17, 2011

Louise Mace is truly a local hero and a natural choice to represent our community in stitching the flag.  She consistently gives back to help further many charitable causes within the Slidell community, regularly donating to STARC, Easter Seals, Children’s Make a Wish Foundation, the local high schools, the Slidell Women’s Civic Club, United Way, City of Slidell Cultural Arts Department, Slidell Memorial Hospital, Junior Auxiliary, the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, Toys for Tots and so many other organizations.  She gives freely of her time, volunteering to fundraise for the Slidell Women’s Civic Club, decorate Christmas trees for the Slidell Police Department and the City of Slidell, St. Luke Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Altar Society and Relay for Life to name only a few.  Louise also is a symbol of strength and survival for our community.  Her business had been open only 20 days before Hurricane Katrina destroyed everything.  Louise recovered, rebuilt and reopened her shop, The Purple Armadillo.  Within the past couple of weeks, Louise suffered a fire that destroyed her shop.  Once again, Louise has vowed to recover and rebuild her business.  She is truly a daily example of strength and giving. 

PAT AND MARY SULLIVAN
(Nominated by Robert Doyle)
The Catholic Club
September 5, 2011

Pat & Mary Sullivan lost their 32 year old son, Patrick Jr. in the attack on the World Trade Center.  In tribute to their son they joined the Volunteer Ambulance Corps in Breezy Point where they reside as summer residents.  Mary got her EMT license and Paddy drives the ambulance.  All hours of the day and night they respond to calls for help. Although they are summer residents, their dedication is such that they answer more calls as part time residents than the full time residents in the Ambulance Corps.  They respond to over 400 calls annually.  Quite a feat as they are 72 and 63 years old respectively. Paddy is a retired NYPD officer and has two surviving sons; Greg (also retired NYPD) and Jerry. I cannot imagine a more fitting tribute to Patrick Jr. than to have his parents have the privilege of stitching the 911 flag.  They are outstanding examples of service & sacrifice to their community. 

« Newer Entries - Older Entries »