FREEPORT (WGME) – On Saturday, Americans paused to remember those who were lost and those whose lives were forever changed 20 years ago during the Sept.11 terrorist attacks.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, millions of Americans felt a call to action. That includes a group of women in Freeport, who decided to do something simple, but powerful– wave an American flag.
Rain, wind, snow— whatever the weather–the commitment of the Freeport Flag Ladies was unwavering, as they stood on the Main Street hill every Tuesday for 18 years. While they’ve since retired, their act of solidarity and remembrance continues on.
It started when then-president George W. Bush asked Americans to light candles for all who were lost. Elaine Greene decided to go up to Main Street, bringing with her an American flag.
“I didn’t know if it was appropriate to raise a flag or not, but the nudging to raise it– I finally gave into it and raised that flag,” said Elaine Greene, who started the Freeport Flag Ladies.
That’s when passing cars started honking.
“Our country is a little bit better every time somebody acknowledges the flag,” Greene told someone in the crowd Saturday.
By her own words, she was too old to enlist, too old for a lot of things.
“I wanted to do something for my country. I knew she was hurting,” Greene said.
She felt her prayers for something she could do had been answered. Greene asked friends Carmen Footer and JoAnn Miller to join her once a week for a year.
“And they said, ‘yes.’ Well, the year turned into 18,” Greene said.
Amy Gove is a long-time friend. She joined in when she could.
“It was a hard time in America,” Gove recalled. “We all came together. And I want to see that again.”
That’s what’s happening now.
“What they have done for this state and for America is just wonderful. You can see they’ve brought people together and made us realize that we’re all Americans,” Gove said.
For dozens of people to line the road again with a flag in hand is a testament to them.
“The fact that it went word of mouth that the Flag Ladies would be on the corner– that’s what all the people are here for. They wouldn’t be here without the Flag Ladies,” Gove said.
With every honk and every wave there’s a recognition, that what unites us is greater than what divides us.
“I’m hoping today brings people back together a little more than they were yesterday and that they hold it for tomorrow,” Greene said.
