July 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 126 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session
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RECOGNIZING THE FREEPORT FLAG LADIES; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 126
(Senate - July 25, 2019)
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[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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