Flags flood Freeport Road in Harrison to commemorate 9/11

Honking horns and chants of “USA” flooded Freeport Road in Harrison on Monday, while dozens of volunteers carried American flags along the stretch for 16 hours.

“People blowing their horns and waving is so nice,” said Kristin Molyneaux, who participated for the ninth time in the annual 9/11 Moving Flag Tribute.

An Army veteran, Molyneaux said her son is in active duty at Fort Bragg, and she hopes people never forget the sacrifices that are made for freedom.

Sponsored by the Pittsburgh chapter of Team Red, White & Blue, known as Team RWB, the daylong event is buoyed by efforts of young and old, all who are looking to commemorate the day and show Americans’ resilience 22 years later.

The mission is to keep the flag moving from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

“From the time the terrorists crossed through security until President Bush came on TV,” Tarentum Councilman Ray Kerr said.

Organizers hope for a day of showing strength and unity, and the event also serves as a way to give back. Donations of nonperishable food are accepted for the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches, also in Harrison.

In years past, the Highlands High School choir has performed for walkers.

Walkers and runners of all ages can show up and participate as long as they want. The path is a 2-mile trek from Lamparski Orthodontics near Eat’n Park on Broadview Boulevard to Morgan Street and back.

This year, for the first time, a police flag will move the entire day in memory of fallen Brackenridge Chief Justin McIntire.

Lauren Cottone chose to carry the police flag Monday morning while pushing her 1-year-old son, Arlo, in a stroller. She said she would return in the evening to walk with local Cub Scouts, as has been her tradition.

“This helps teach our kids about the past,” Cottone said. “You want to try to be better Americans and better people.”