Freedom Flight 911

Spirits Soar

9th Annual 'Freedom Flight’ 9/11 Kiting Tribute

Remembering The Lost and Those Left Behind…

On a day when sun broke through the clouds casting golden light upon the sand, September 13th, 2009 marked the 8th annual Freedom Flight 9/11 Tribute. Once again, the gracious City of Long Beach played host to this unique memorial…a day to remember those we will never forget. This solemn occasion also sadly honored the recent death of 9/11 firefighter and responder 44-year old John McNamara (Johnny Mac) who lost his brave battle with cancer. The event is also meant as a celebration of life, unity, hope and healing.

Opening the commemoration, the Boy Scouts acting as Color Guard, presented the flag and pledge. Activities featured Wind Spirit, an impressive kiting display that undulated along the shoreline thanks to the dedication and artistry of Tim and Sue Boyle. Kite masters flew giant, breathtaking kites that could be seen for miles. With us from very first Freedom Flight, professional Sand Sculptor Matt Long demonstrated his remarkable skill, starting at dawn to complete a majestic representation of an eagle, flag, and kite. On the boardwalk the Mural of Hope encouraged individuals to express personal thoughts and feelings. And, the always patriotic, Jimmy-“The Flag Man” lined the boardwalk with stars and stripes that proudly waved in the breeze. Gloria Waslyn and her Parrots for Peace-Baby, Merlin, & Peacenik brought a smile to many faces. Community leaders eloquently spoke from their hearts about the special significance of the day. Giving voice and life to In Concert, a talented array of singers and musicians generously donated their time: acoustic guitarists Jeff Curtis and Jan Perlow, accomplished soprano Soh Young Segredo, multi-faceted Danielle Reed, young entertainers’ Jordan Schultz and Emily Freeman, and international recording artist Jenny Walker wowed listeners as she belted out tunes. Blue Detour, a phenomenal bluegrass band, captivated the crowd with their energetic style and engaging performance. And, Mrs. New York International-Lidia Szczepanowski-Goldsmith, made a special guest appearance. At the special 2:45 PM Tribute the national anthem was sung and those wishing to participate planted flags in the Memorial Sand Garden surrounding the sculpture. Over 100 kites were given to families to fly in respect and prayer.

Freedom Flight 9/11 is a grassroots collaborative effort of a small group of friends who believe that the flying of kites symbolizes the universal dream of freedom, and is a special way to recognize our unsung heroes, ordinary people who came together and did the extraordinary: Fireman, Police, EMS, 9/11 Operating Engineers, Laborers, Teamsters, Construction Workers, Search & Rescue Crews, and animals. Many of the Responders who survived have now been forgotten or abandoned. In addition, this is a special time to recognize the heroic effort of our troops. And, with the initiation of the Freedom Foundation, FAB (Feel, Act, Be Better) holds its second one-day camp for the children of 9/11 responders dealing with grief, loss, anger and depression.

Of course, many thanks to the dedicated volunteers who have helped the Tribute take flight year after year.

To read about the up and coming events of our Host Sponsor "The City of Long Beach" Please Click Above		Volunteers are welcome. If you wish to volunteer, please contact us by email.
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