Flying Across America: Local airport joins tribute for Sept. 11 victims
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The local event takes place tomorrow with airplane rides for the public, a patriotic skydiving event and an appearance by Tennessee flag bearers who will have the actual flag which will be presented in New York.
From 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Flying Club of America, the airport’s flight school, will be offering 25 minute rides to the general public at a special rate of $20 per person for adults, and $10 each for children 14-and-under.
According to organizers, Flight Across America was created “to commemorate the freedom of flight in America and to honor those fallen in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.”
Pilots from each of the 50 U.S. states were chosen to fly an official state flag to New York City on Sept. 11, 2002, where the pilots will present the flags to the city of New York. It’s all a part of an ambitious project organized by Molly Peebles, a Washington state pilot.
“The Flight Across America is about bringing the nation together through the celebration of flight,” said Peebles, the director and architect of the flight. “The act of 50 pilots carrying their state flags across the country into New York City is symbolic of a nation coming together to stand in solidarity and to make the statement that tragedy does not have the last word. We are a resilient people capable of creating great possibilities, and the Flight Across America is one example.”
Tennessee’s flag bearers, retired Col. R.Q. Old, United States Air Force, and retired Lt. Col. Robert J. Burdette, United States Army, appointed in a proclamation by Gov. Don Sundquist, will be flying into Warren County Airport and will be on hand at 3 p.m. to greet the public and answer any questions about the flight.
Those wishing to support their efforts may buy a special patch for $15 to commemorate the event, and at the end of the day, there will be a group picture taken that will be displayed at the Aviation Museum in Sevierville along with all others taken at the pilots’ many stops across the state.
Also at 3 p.m., Marvin Smith, of Marvin’s Boogie, will be performing a special skydiving exhibition displaying an American flag.
For further information about Saturday’s events at Warren County Airport, you can contact Kevin Bishop at 668-7050. Everyone is also encouraged to visit the Website at www.flightacrossamerica.com.