The Freeport Flag Ladies Mission Continues
This story of unity and patriotism began September 12, 2001, following the worst attack on America’s soil since Pearl Harbor during World War II. When the World Trade Towers fell and the crash sites at the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania were still smoking, Elaine Greene felt compelled to do something. Some citizens donated blood, others volunteered to clear away the rubble, and Elaine took to Main Street in her small hometown of Freeport, Maine with an American flag. She stood there in a silent vigil of sorrow and in a symbol of unity, she waved those stars and stripes for everyone to see. Later joined by life-long friends Joann Miller and Carmen Footer, the Freeport Flag Ladies stood vigil with old glory every Tuesday morning for 18 years.
On September 11, 2019, the Town of Freeport celebrated the Flag Ladies as they made their last stand. Citizens and dignitaries showered them with respect and praise, noting their impact on the town, state, and nation. Major General (Ret.) John W. Libby who served as Maine’s Adjutant General of the National Guard during the 9-11 attacks and their aftermath asked this question during his tribute speech. "Unanswered this morning, is who will lift the flag in the spirit of 9-12 now that these remarkable ladies have moved on?"
The answer to that question is Wreaths Across America. On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Wreaths Across America and its largest corporate donor, Worcester Wreaths, unveiled a new flagpole and monument dedicated to the Freeport Flag Ladies. Together, they raised the flag at 9 AM, and Wreaths Across America committed to doing so every Tuesday morning moving forward, thus keeping the legacy of the Freeport Flag ladies alive, uniting citizens in the spirit of 9-12.
The Freeport Flag Ladies monument is located on U.S. Route 1 in Columbia Falls, Maine, minutes from the National Wreaths Across America Headquarters and Museum. Wreaths Across America encourages citizens to raise the American flag in communities across the country. You can tune in to the Wreaths Across America Official Facebook Page each Tuesday to watch LIVE and share where you’re waving the flag.
