|
 |
NORFOLK, Va. - An American flag raised by three firefighters at the World Trade Center site several hours after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack will be flown aboard the deployed aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy said. |
"This flag represents the spirit and courage of all Americans," said Adm. Robert J. Natter, commander of the Atlantic Fleet. "It has incredible meaning for all our sailors and Marines, and we're proud to fly it aboard our most powerful warships. It will serve as both a remembrance and as a motivator for our forward deployed naval forces." New York City Firefighters Dan McWilliams, George Johnson and Billy Eisengrein anchored a flagpole in about 20 feet of rubble at the World Trade Center site and raised the flag. A photo of the event taken by Tom Franklin of The Record of Bergen County, N.J., ran on the front pages of many newspapers. On Sunday, New York Gov. George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani signed the flag and gave it to Natter with the intent that it be flown over naval forces deployed overseas in response to the terrorist attack. Natter directed that the flag be sent to the Roosevelt, which left Norfolk on Sept. 19. The Navy will return the flag to the New York fire department after the Roosevelt returns. Images of the flag: http://www.atlanticfleet.navy.mil/wtc-flag.htm Photo of firefighters raising the flag: http://www.northjersey.com/news/fireflag2001091458.htm |