In remembrance of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, we are kicking off a virtual series called Voices From the Tour. The Tour will follow 30,000 Stitches as it travels to some of the same places as the National 9/11 Flag. Along the way, we will hear from the voices that were involved in the flag’s journey and those who helped the nation heal and unite. As our country faces challenges on multiple fronts, I hope these stories are a reminder of our strength and resilience-a sliver of light, hope, and healing, and a reflection on the power of coming together to overcome difficult times. Click on the images below to follow the flag's path and read each story! Follow along on social media at #VoicesFromTheFlagTour.
CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO READ EACH STORY AND FOLLOW THE FLAG'S JOURNEY!
9/12 PAYING IT FORWARD
Today on September 12th, we're wrapping up the #VoicesfromTheFlagTour. 9/12 has become a day dedicated to paying it forward. A day to remember how communities came together to unite and help one another after 9/11. The New York Says Thank You Foundation is the volunteer organization that oversaw the Flag Restoration Tour. The Foundation’s mission is, “to build hope and provide healing to people around the world to continually ‘pay it forward’ for the humanity, kindness, and volunteer spirit New Yorkers – and all Americans – experienced on 9/12. The Foundation strives to keep alive the spirit of 9/12 and show the world that LOVE is stronger than hate.” With the spirit of 9/12 in mind, today we are hearing from one last voice from the flag…Alex Ballesteros. Alex’s dedication to service and sacrifice to others began over 27 years ago when he enlisted in the United States Navy. Alex is a survivor of the 9/11 Pentagon attack and a National 9/11 Flag stitcher.
I hope you take time to read Alex’s story and all the others that have been featured in the Voices from the Flag Tour. Please continue to share their stories as a way to honor and remember and continue to share your own stories as a way to connect, unite, and create a more inclusive world. Thank you for following along with the Voices From the Flag Tour series. I want to express my deep gratitude for all those who opened up and shared their stories with me as part of this tour. I’m so, so grateful for you. You’ve inspired me, and I know you’ve inspired others with your stories, too.
I hope you take time to read Alex’s story and all the others that have been featured in the Voices from the Flag Tour. Please continue to share their stories as a way to honor and remember and continue to share your own stories as a way to connect, unite, and create a more inclusive world. Thank you for following along with the Voices From the Flag Tour series. I want to express my deep gratitude for all those who opened up and shared their stories with me as part of this tour. I’m so, so grateful for you. You’ve inspired me, and I know you’ve inspired others with your stories, too.
CLICK THE IMAGE TO READ ALEX'S STORY!
30,000 STITCHES
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© Angela Wood Photography
© Jennifer Casey Photography
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MEET THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATORAmanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator. Amanda received a B.A. in English and Studio Art from Salve Regina University, and a M.A.T. in Art Education from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She currently teaches art at a public high school in Massachusetts, where writing and reflecting are an integral part of her curriculum. A member of SCBWI, 12×12, and a local critique group, Amanda loves nature, history, dogs, and all things creative. She lives in the Boston area with her partner and rescue pup, Cora.
Sally Wern Comport has been a working artist since her teenage years as an on-staff artist for her father's advertising agency. In addition to her illustration work for newspapers, magazine, and books, Sally co-founded a design firm that creates and installs large-scale works of art in public places. She sees her role as that of visually communicating an idea to engage the viewer in the meaning of the words on the page or the space where they stand. Sally lives in Annapolis, Maryland. |