Remembering Sept. 11: How 100 Flags Helped Unite Us

Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of 2001, remembering Sept. 11 was as vital as it has ever been. Americans paused to remember the lives lost, the courage displayed, and the unity that emerged in one of our nation’s darkest moments.

WoodmenLife honored that legacy through 100 Flags: A WoodmenLife 9/11 Tribute. The nationwide effort brought communities together to remember Sept. 11, while also recognizing the First Responders, military personnel, and others who continue to protect our freedoms and safety every day. The tribute featured 100 special American flag presentations across the country, reinforcing WoodmenLife’s long-standing commitment to family, community, and country.

Among those events was a moving flag presentation at Dunham House, a newly opened residence in Omaha, NE, operated by Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS). For those in attendance, the event became much more than a ceremony — it became a reminder that patriotism is not just about honoring the past but also about supporting those who continue to sacrifice for our country today.

Remembering Sept. 11 Through Unity

WoodmenLife’s oversized flags have become a familiar sight in communities across the country through our Celebrating Red, White & Blue^® program. Since 2021, we’ve displayed American flags at football games and community events, creating opportunities for neighbors to gather around shared patriotism. Each custom-made flag measures 60 feet by 30 feet and requires 40 to 60 volunteers to hold it properly.

These flag displays were the perfect centerpiece for our Sept. 11 tribute.

The goal of the 100 Flags initiative was twofold:

• To bring people together to honor those whose lives were changed forever by the attacks
• To recognize the men and women who continue to serve and protect

That message resonated deeply for Deidre Snow, Community Outreach Advisor for WoodmenLife’s Pacific/Midwest region.

“Our region hosted five big flag presentations for Sept. 11,” she said. “At each presentation, it was inspiring to see Americans unite for a shared purpose to honor and remember.”

Tunnel to Towers event, Biloxi, MS

A Meaningful Partnership

The Dunham House presentation was especially fitting because of WoodmenLife’s long-standing relationship with WWFS.

Several months before the event, WWFS President & CEO Kate McCauley invited Snow to attend the Sept. 11 open house for Dunham House, which serves combat-wounded Veterans. Almost immediately, Snow recognized an opportunity to incorporate one of WoodmenLife’s flag displays into the day’s activities.

“Kate and I worked closely to coordinate the logistics, including the number of participants and volunteers needed, as well as the best location for the flag presentation,” Snow said.

The original plan called for holding the ceremony in a nearby field. However, after evaluating the location more carefully, Snow was concerned about potential mobility and tripping hazards caused by tall weeds and uneven ground. Upon arriving at the site, organizers adjusted their plans and secured a section of the facility’s circular drive, creating a safer and more accessible environment for participants.

Beebe, AR

Honoring Heroes Past and Present

For many attendees, the significance of the event reached far beyond the anniversary of Sept. 11.

Most of those gathered were connected to WWFS as Veterans, board members, family members, or supporters. They came together to celebrate the opening of the residence, which was named for U.S. Marine Cpl. Jason Lee Dunham, who sacrificed his life while protecting fellow Marines during combat in Iraq.

The facility’s grounds also feature a National Memorial Wall engraved with more than 6,500 names of American service members who were killed in action during post-Sept. 11 military operations. For many visitors, the memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of the attacks and the sacrifices that followed.

“Hosting a flag presentation at this new facility for wounded Veterans honors the memory of Sept. 11 by transforming remembrance into active gratitude,” Snow said. “It unites the community around patriotic symbolism.”

That connection between remembering Sept. 11 and gratitude was visible throughout the event.

Wilcox County High School, GA

A Powerful Experience

The grand opening created an ideal setting for the flag ceremony, where nearly 60 volunteers gathered to hold the oversized flag. As the flag stretched across the circular drive, participants worked together to keep it secure in the wind.

“The size and presence of the flag were especially powerful in the more intimate setting,” Snow said. “Although the wind required everyone to work together to keep the flag secure, seeing it wave in the sunlight was beautiful.”

For many volunteers, it was their first opportunity to participate in a flag presentation of that scale.

“The flag presentation was especially meaningful for those who participated, as many had never had the opportunity to help display a flag of this size,” Snow said. “The experience held particular significance for the Veterans and military families in attendance.”

The response spoke volumes, with attendees offering countless words of appreciation for the tribute.

Huntington High vs. Spring Valley High, at Marshall University, WV

Remembering Sept. 11 Going Forward

Remembering Sept. 11 is about honoring those we lost. It is also about recognizing the courage, service, and unity that emerged in the days that followed.

Through 100 Flags, WoodmenLife helped communities across America pause, reflect, and come together around those shared values. Whether at a football stadium, a community gathering, or the opening of a facility dedicated to wounded veterans, each flag presentation served as a visible reminder that patriotism remains a powerful force for connecting people.

At Dunham House, Veterans, families, volunteers, and community members stood side by side to honor lives lost, recognize ongoing sacrifice, and celebrate the freedoms that unite us.

In doing so, they demonstrated that the spirit of Sept. 11 lives on, not only in memory, but also in acts of gratitude, service, and fellowship.

WoodmenLife is proud to take part in such celebrations. Visit WoodmenLife.org/Patriotism to learn more about our patriotic initiatives.

Written by: Gary Peterson, Senior Copywriter

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