June 28, 2011 -
Southport, NC - On Sunday afternoon, July 3rd, St.
Philip’s and Brunswick County residents will wrap
our communal arms around the family of Joan and Dick
Stewart, in a ceremony to bless the NATIONAL 9/11
FLAG and honor their son Richard, who lost his life
in the World Trade Center. The story of this
American flag tattered in the ruins on this
unspeakable day yet stitched back to life in towns
and cities all across America ,is a stunning story
of hope and unity in the phrase cherished by the
Stewarts, “one nation under God, indivisible…” .
The flag will be flown to the Raleigh-Durham Airport
on Sunday morning, then escorted by retired New York
Fire Department members, and honored from overpasses
along the route. The extensive cavalcade of vehicles
and motorcycles will arrive at the Southport
Memorial Park on Hwy 211 where Richard Stewart is
laid to rest.
To quote the Stewart’s daughter Susan: “The blessing
(of the flag) is a way of demonstrating the family’s
commitment to unity…encouraging everybody to
remember that whatever their beliefs, we are all,
first and foremost, Americans."
The ceremony arranged by the Stewarts begins at the
NEW TIME of 4:30. It is open to the public and
attendees should bring folding chairs and come
early. Representatives from Interfaith Fellowship
will participate and local leaders of the Jewish,
Islamic and Buddhist communities are also invited.