As I reflect on the unbelievable progression of the 9-11 Remembrance flag, I am reminded of the amazing people that God has used to get this flag out all over the nation. So, on a personal note, I must first acknowledge my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The following list of people and groups were instrumental in the 9-11 Remembrance Flag mission. There is no special order. In my eyes, one is just as important as the other:

    ~ Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue
Thank you Hadden Culp (Battalion Chief, Planning & Public Information Officer)
Your vision, persistence and dedication to include the flag in your County's 9/11/02 commemorative program has literally put the 9-11 Remembrance Flag on the map.
I am grateful to ALL the PWC officials who helped in this awesome mission and I am truly honored!

~ Mayor Harper Peterson (City of Wilmington)
Before the 9-11 Remembrance Flag had barely left Wilmington, Mayor Peterson was very gracious in accepting the flag on behalf of my hometown. He insisted that the presentation be done at a City Counsel meeting so that proper recognition would be given to our mission. I give him credit for the "kick off" of this flag. Thanks!

~ Christina J. R. Hannah (my web designer)
Without saying a word, all you have to do is get on the 9-11 Remembrance Flag web site and see how valuable this special young lady has been to the flag. Few people know the sacrifice that Christina has made. She offered her invaluable service at no cost! She knew we had no money, but also saw (as so many have) a great mission. Little did I know at the time, how important her services would be.
    
      As a result of this INCREDIBLE website, we have been able to reach thousands of people worldwide and share the flag with them. Somehow, she has managed to attend college full time, prepare for her September wedding, and continue to update the site as often as needed. Christina is truly a blessing to this mission. One day I'll be able to meet her in person...I love you, girl!

~ Karen Codacovi
We met fourteen years ago. I was a southerner, moving to New Jersey. I had no friends. One day I went out on my balcony and there she was on her balcony. We have been close ever since. She is one of the most generous people I have ever met. And her knack for telling stories... She'll leave you in stitches. Her uncanny way of befriending people has proven to be an asset in regard to the 9-11 Remembrance Flag.
     
      After I told her about the flag, she set out on a mission; In only a matter of days the flag took a northern direction. She told the whole state of New Jersey! Her determination to get this flag to the families, her desire to help future generations, and her vision to raise money for charitable causes, inspired her to promote the flag in a way I didn't even envision. "She may be small, but she has a big mouth" You are the best, Karen, I love you.
     
      Also, Thank you so much Dott (Karen's mom) for sharing the flag's mission with so many people. I can clearly see where Karen gets her compassion and generosity.

~Jeff Howdyshell
Thank you for sharing the vision for the flag and going above and beyond duty to let others know about it. Your commitment to the cause has truly blessed our mission! I look forward to meeting you one day...

~9-11 Families
     It all started with Monica Iken. After losing her husband on 9-11, Monica began her own mission to see that a proper memorial be placed at Ground Zero. She founded September's Mission and has reached out to many of the families of 9-11. Monica's strength, compassion, and commitment to keep the memories alive for all the lost loved ones on 9-11 is an inspiration to many. Her endorsement of the 9-11 Remembrance Flag has opened many doors and her energy exhausts me! The next time we get together, Monica, I'll rest up.
Through Monica, I've met so many wonderful families of 9-11. All of them have been so open and supportive of the Remembrance Flag mission. The following are just a few of the family members that I've had the pleasure to get to know. These wonderful people have inspired me with their strength, compassion, and determination; They alone have made this world a little better:

Anthony Gardner WTC United Family Group
Beverly Eckert Voices of September 11th
Mary Fetchet Voices of September 11th
Marian Fontana 9-11-Widows' and Victims' Families' Association
Michael Cartier Give Your Voice
Debbie Crisman Walk of Life Memorial
Lynn Faulkner Wendy Faulkner Memorial Childrens Foundation
Craig Sincock Pentagon Angels
Chester Weekes WTC Traveling Memorial
Gene Smith WTC Traveling Memorial
Tom & Joann Meehan Colleen Ann Meehan Barkow
    These are just a few of the lives that have touched me. The Letters from the families of 9/11 and phone calls have inspired Richard and I to reach out to the world with the message "NEVER FORGET".

~Lieutenant Tom Robinson
     One day, Tom, a Wilmington,NC firefighter dropped off a poem. My husband put it in my hand and said "Read this." Tom had written a poem about the 9-11 Remembrance Flag. I was so touched. The fact that someone would write a poem about the flag is enough, but it was truly beautiful. The poem is the official Remembrance Flag poem and is included with every flag. Thank you Tom, for your words of encouragement, your beautiful poem, and the sacrifices that you and all the firefighters in America give us. We are truly blessed to have such caring people on our side.

~Mr. Anderson (Mcdonald's)
     Mr. Anderson owns more than a dozen Mcdonald's restaurants in the Wilmington, NC area. He was kind enough to order a flag for each restaurant and as a result, set the pace for other business owners in the area. Though I've never met Mr. Anderson, I've heard wonderful things about him; His love of God, his generosity, and his compassion for others. Thank you Mr. Anderson, for believing in my mission and giving the flag a "boost" in the Wilmington area.

~Fire Departments
     I have lost track of all the fire stations nationally, that are flying the 9-11 Remembrance Flag under the American flag. Last count was around sixty. But, by now there are well over a hundred stations who are honoring the victims, families, rescue workers, survivors, and recovery crew with this flag. More than anyone, the firefighters know the sacrifices that were made on 9-11-01; They will never forget. And they realized the importance of flying the Remembrance Flag for all to see. WE MUST NEVER FORGET! Our prayers are with all of you out there.

~ Howard Coupland
     Thank you Howard, for your kindness & compassion toward the 9-11 families & your generous support of the Remembrance Flag. You have enabled us to continue our mission at a time when we were not sure if we would be able. Talent, good looks, generosity, and compassion, are just a few attributes that you have blessed others with. Richard & I are honored to know you and look forward to more NYC trips!