Paying Tribute - A 9/11 Memorial Action Opportunity

Tom Fucigna, Hobe Sound, FL

During the months after September 11, 2001, in the wake of a wave of patriotism, I retrieved from the roadside over 600 hundreds American flags that had fallen from cars. I picked them up because I didn't think it was right for them to be laying in the gutter, and because I saw them as memorials to the victims of 9/11, including people my family and I knew. For the past five years, about 200 of those flags have flown over our neighborhood parade on July 4th, and along Bridge Road in Hobe Sound on September 11th. They will be up again this year.

The September 11th flag display includes a banner that reads "Keep America Strong - Contribute to Your Community", based on the concept that the strength of our entire country is based in our grass roots. Part of what makes Hobe Sound a unique place is the fact that so many people support local programs that benefit a cross section of our neighbors.

I think that many Americans want to do something to commemorate the fifth anniversary of 9/11, and to work towards a better future, but they just don't know what to do. I believe that one of the best ways we can honor the memory of people we have lost is to carry on some of the work they can no longer do. While we can't take on their roles as parents or other parts of their personal lives, we can help compensate for their absence in community service and assistance to others. I propose that people who feel this way may wish to make a 9/11 memorial donation to either the Hobe Sound Community Chest ( www.HobeSoundCommunityChest.org), which funds numerous community groups, or to Little Flower Children's Services in New York, which has provided a variety of children's and family services including adoption and counseling since 1931 ( www.littleflowerny.org). At least 38 9/11 victims raised funds for Little Flower. Making a monetary contribution may seem impersonal, but it's one of the truly meaningful things we can do.

The Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce (772-546-4724) has graciously agreed to coordinate receipt of donations, but they can only handle checks made out to the intended recipient group ("Hobe Sound Community Chest" or "Little Flower Children's Services of New York"). A donation of any size will make a difference in the future of our country and will truly pay tribute to the memories of those we lost.

If you feel you've shed enough tears

Know there's work to be done

Rekindle the flame

from the sparks that remain

Pick up the torch

and run

Dedicated the memories of Christian Maltby, Tim Coughlin, Richie Lynch, Edmund McNally, Elizabeth Logler, Jimmy Murphy and Zack Zeng, lost at the towers. Their families will be honored by your actions.