[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 126 (Thursday, July 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5099-S5100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE FREEPORT FLAG LADIES
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to three
great patriots, three inspiring women, from the town of Freeport, ME.
Their names are Elaine Greene, Carmen Footer, and JoAnn Miller. They
are known by our men and women in uniform, veterans, and grateful
citizens throughout America as the Freeport Flag Ladies.
On September 11, 2001, an act of terror transformed a beautiful
Tuesday morning into a day of unfathomable horror. Three days later,
President Bush asked grief-stricken Americans to step outside their
homes with lighted candles in memory of the heroes of 9/11 and of the
nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children who perished.
Living on a secluded road, Elaine, Carmen, and JoAnn instead took
their candles and an American flag to busy Main Street. Their location
quickly began a rallying point for all of Freeport, the site of a
spontaneous, heartfelt memorial service.
Then they did something even more remarkable. They made a promise to
stand with their flags on Main Street each and every Tuesday morning
between the hours of 8 and 9, to mark the day and time of the attacks.
This coming September 11th will be their final vigil. When that day
comes, they will have kept their promise for more than 900 consecutive
Tuesdays, in rain, sleet, and snow, in bitter cold and in blistering
heat. Carmen, the youngest of the three at 74, says their
``retirement'' is due solely to the fact that ``Age wins, all the
time.''
For the past 4 years, the Freeport Flag Ladies have been joined each
Tuesday by Darlene Jolly and frequently by Elaine's sister, Amy Gove.
They have kept their promise, and they have done so much more. From
2002 to 2016, they spearheaded a wonderful 9/11 tribute in Freeport.
They have regularly made the long drive to Bangor International
Airport, to join the legendary Maine Troop Greeters, and to Pease
International Airport in New Hampshire, to meet the members of our
Armed Forces as they head overseas or return home. They have greeted
thousands of soldiers, and they are remembered by them all.
They have made a special effort to reach out to those who serve our
country and to their families. Thousands of photographs of outbound
troops have been sent back home, and families receive a weekly message.
They have sent packages of games, magazines, and food to troops
overseas. Parcels to combat support hospitals contain clothing and
special pillows to make the transport of wounded soldiers more
comfortable. They have funded these amazing efforts themselves, with
yard sales, growing and selling ``Flowers for Freedom,'' and donations.
Describing what Elaine Greene, Carmen Footer, and JoAnn Miller have
done falls far short of putting into words what the Freeport Flag
Ladies mean to our country. Perhaps the best words were spoken by
Elaine: ``Freedom shines on America, so let us shine for America.'' The
Freeport Flag Ladies shine brightly, and their light will continue to
inspire us all. Their prayer to be of service was answered with a
mission to commemorate, to honor, and to remember. They are among those
throughout our Nation who transformed one of America's darkest days
into one of our finest hours.
Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the Flag Ladies of
Freeport, ME, who will soon retire from their unwavering efforts to
commemorate the heroes and the victims of the life-changing events that
occurred on September 11, 2001. Every Tuesday since that day--for 18
years--the Freeport Flag Ladies have stood on Main Street in Freeport
in our Nation's colors waving our Nation's flag. First standing to
honor the lives lost in the 2001 attacks, these ladies have
[[Page S5100]]
continued to stand to support the brave men and women who serve our
country today. Main Street shall see them wave the red, white, and blue
for the last time on September 11, 2019.
In the days after the events of September 11, Elaine Greene, Carmen
Footer, and Joann Miller were just like the rest of the country: they
wanted to heal the Nation. So they acted, devoting their time and
energy to honor and salute those who were lost and those who are
willing to make the greatest sacrifice our Nation can ask. Since
beginning their effort, these ladies have not missed a single Tuesday
to share their message of patriotism and solidarity. Nothing could
deter them, not the heaviest rains, the coldest snows, the blazing
summer sun or even a dislocated shoulder. The Freeport Flag Ladies have
showed up every week--no matter what.
When troops were deployed to Afghanistan and later Iraq, these women
took this as an expansion of their mandate--traveling up to Bangor to
send off soldiers and greet those returning home. The Freeport Flag
Ladies have given up much themselves to ensure their mission is carried
out week after week. Their own comfort has been forgone in their
pursuit to bring comfort to their fellow countrymen. In waving the flag
and shaking the hands of soldiers, Elaine Greene, Carmen Footer, and
Joann Miller have represented the best of our Nation and the ideals of
the flag they wave.
I want to thank the Freeport Flag Ladies for their commitment to
honoring both the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the soldiers
who are currently serving and defending the United States. Their
mission is not political. It is clear that what they do is an act of
love and appreciation for the great sacrifices made by those who serve
our country. These unwavering patriots are a reminder to the American
people of what the flag represents. While they may wave their flags for
the final time on September 11, 2019, the patriotism of these women
will continue to be remembered and celebrated.
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