Will You Witness a Random Act of Patriotism Today?
By Movieguide® Contributor
Those passing through eastern Kansas will be reminded of the 9/11 attacks as they are driving today as residents of Melvern, Kansas, display nearly 100 American flags to commemorate the tragedy.
The memorial, dubbed Random Acts of Patriotism by its organizers, began in 2002 to honor those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks. Despite taking place in essentially the middle of nowhere, the 23-year tradition has touched countless lives.
“We’ve had some absolutely tear-jerking people stops,” event spokesperson Deb Fuller told KVOE’s Morning Show. “One of the first years there was an SUV that came up and [the people who got out of the car] were shaking so bad we went and got the ambulance because we were thinking there was a medical emergency but this couple had lost somebody in the Pentagon, the twin towers, and, I believe, possibly the other plane and they were so overwhelmed that literally in the middle of nowhere that they’re loved ones were being remembered it was really amazing.”
The Random Acts of Patriotism memorial takes place on mile marker 160 over Highway 35. It begins at 7 a.m. and runs until sundown. Fuller believes that the display is something every American should experience at least once.
Though unaffiliated with this specific event, similar memorials take place across the country as the nation pauses to remember what occurred on that day. At Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, for example, there is a ceremony commemorating attacks that features an incredible display with one American flag planted on the university’s lawn for every life lost that day. The “Waves of Flags” ceremony, which was started by students in 2008, features nearly 3,000 flags in total and is a powerful symbol that reminds everyone who attends just how much was lost that day.
Movieguide® previously reported on the Waves of Flags ceremony:
Chris Pratt commemorated 9/11 with an appearance at Pepperdine University’s Waves of Flag Ceremony.
“Today, let’s take a moment to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. 🇺🇸 It’s a day that changed our world forever, but it also showed us the strength and resilience that define the American spirit,” Pratt said on Instagram.
“I had the honor of planting the last flag at the Waves of Flag Ceremony today at @Pepperdine. Each flag represents an innocent life lost on that day, including a national flag for each foreign country that lost a citizen in the attack,” he explained.
“As we look back on the events of that fateful day, let’s remember the heroes – the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary people who risked everything to help their fellow citizens. 🙏🏼Their courage and selflessness continue to inspire us all,” he continued.
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