By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Oct. 21, 2001
Local runners will join a national movement Tuesday as a line of runners carries an American flag through Meridian on its way from Boston to Los Angeles.
Flag Across America was created as a demonstration of American resolve and in support of grieving families in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks on the nation.
The flag being carried was flown over Iraq on Oct. 2 in the cockpit of a U.S. F-16 in support of Operation Southern Watch. Runners left Boston with the flag on Oct. 11. The are currently in Atlanta and will arrive in Los Angeles on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11.
Runners will enter Lauderdale County about 11 a.m. on Tuesday and will be in Meridian about 2:40 p.m.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department will provide escorts through the county, and Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency volunteers will also be on hand for support.
Jim Stevenson, a Lauderdale County ham radio operator and LEMA volunteer, said local ham radio operators are also getting involved, offering short range communications for runners.
The flag is being carried through Atlanta today and is expected to be carried into Alabama on Sunday. Most of the runners are from American and United airlines, the U.S. military, local police and fire departments and other emergency agencies.
Residents who wish to run or offer support should contact Flag Across America at www.flagrun.org.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.