The Feed-back section includes comments made by contributors
to the Flag of Honor/Flag of Heroes tribute.

Subject: Memorial Day 2008
From: DBuzney
To: info@flagofhonor.og
Sent: 5/3/2008 4:30:20 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

Memorial Day – 2008

As we look forward to the long Memorial Day weekend, it is appropriate to pause for a moment and reflect on what Memorial Day is really all about.

It’s not about discount sales, the start of the summer season or the price of a gallon of gas.

It is about young Americans in distant times, or faraway places, who for a cause or an ideal, took up arms, placed themselves in harm’s way, and made the ultimate sacrifice… because that is what their country asked them to do.

In places no one wanted to be, but there they were, they fought with uncommon valor and distinction: Gettysburg, Belleau Wood, Normandy, Bastogne, Iwo Jima, Gualdalcanal, The Chosin Resovoir, Ia Drang, Hue City, Desert Storm…and this legacy is as intact today as at any time in our Nation’s history, in places like Baghdad, Fallujah, Anbar Province, Basra, Kandahar and Tora Bora.

We honor the memory of our fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guard and Marines, knowing they would not want to be remembered as just names on a wall. They were the most important person in someone’s life, with hopes, dreams and aspirations just like ours… but theirs can never be fulfilled.

They were someone’s son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, father, sister, brother, lover or friend… and their loss created an aching, searing void that will never go away.

So enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, the rest, relaxation, the family activities… that is what they would want.

But if in your rounds, you see the Stars and Stripes proudly waving in the breeze, please pause for a moment, reflect on what our flag really stands for…and count your blessings as an American.

And if you could take just another moment, to say a silent prayer of “THANKS” to those fallen Americans whose legacy will be forever young, because their Memorial Days are forever commemorated by a simple white cross, a Star of David, or some other faith symbol.

They gave us their lives, futures and the “what might have been” that we will never know…and they gave us their Memorial Days, so we could have ours.

God Bless America

Semper Fidelis
Don Buzney, (USMC, 3d MarDiv, RVN,’68-’69)

Subject: 9/11/2001
From: dbuzney@_____.com
To: info@flagofhonor.org
Sent: 4/30/2008 2:02:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time

The attached poem was delivered at the second Ground Zero Ceremony, June 2002 at the site of the WTC.
Thanks

Don Buzney

"9-11-2001"

It was a bright, crisp September morn, with clear blue skies;
Families loved, hugged, and bid one another their daily good-byes.
Innocent lives boarded a plane, never fearing, never dreaming,
The coming hellfire of flame.

Innocent workers, set about their daily tasks,
Never fearing, never dreaming, the coming holocaust, and crash.
Three hundred forty-six Firefighters, among New York’s bravest and best,
Never fearing, never dreaming, the day would send them to their Eternal rest.

Firemen, Police, EMS, MTA…
They showed the world, what uniformed service really means that day.
They rushed into Ground Zero, to risk their own lives anew… for total strangers, it did not matter…Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew.
Ensnared in the tangled, twisted rubble of Ground Zero…go ahead, pick your hero.

Three thousand children lost a parent, or both, that day.
Now Mom and Dad must trust in God’s love in Heaven, to safeguard their children,
Because they won’t be there to guide them along life’s way.

And on the wings of doves, innocent souls were borne to Heaven’s place,
Where Fire Department Chaplain, Father Mychal Judge, wrapped his arms around them,
In a loving and Eternal embrace.

Normal as we knew it, we will never know again,
Three thousand lives and more we lost, that horrific day, September 11.
But although we may be hurt and emotionally battered,
Buildings can come down, and it does not really matter.

Our ideals, our strength, our love for our Nation,
Are not about buildings or structures, or concrete things of man’s creation.
We are about respect, dignity, freedom, and the sanctity of the human spirit,
The right to be different, to express our beliefs, to worship our God,
And never having to fear for it.

These are our Country’s values, sacred, tried and true.
They are what set us apart yet unite us as Americans, me and you.

The gaggle of demonic madmen, can fulminate, rant and rave,
But when the dawn comes tomorrow,
Old Glory will fly prouder and higher than ever,
Over the Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave.

God Bless America

Don Buzney

Subject: Flags of Honor
From: Arline Grant <______@comcast.net>
Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2006 01:09:30 +0000
To: biellc5@aol.com

I just wanted to write and say thank you! I just ordered your Hero flag for my brother, who is a firefighter. Intend to come back and order more for friends deploying to the Middle East.

A friend saw one of your flags hanging in an airport in Maine. I'd have never known about you, if he hadn't not only mentioned the flag to me. But, went through the trouble of calling the airport to find out more information.

What a wonderful tribute.

Job well done!

Hugs from NH,

Arline Grant
USAF Veteran
Proud sister of a Massachusetts Firefighter

This is a wonderful way to Honor the People who gave it all... I can't think of a more fitting way...

Richard L. Davis

Subject: Flag of Heroes
From: Mary Lewis <-------------@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2005 17:03:36 -0700 (PDT)
To: biellc5@aol.com

I would like to share with you of an unexpected tear-jerking and heart-wrenching find I had yesterday, Friday, August 5. I am a U.S. citizen who moved to Australia to be with my love and now husband. He, like many people I've met all over the world, tours other areas but has not seen many of the wonderful places in his own area.

We live in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. I had a medical appointment in Melbourne yesterday, and since we were going to be in the city most of the day due to another commitment later in the evening, we decided to do a be of the 'touristy' and see some of the special places of interest in Melbourne. One of the places we visited was just across the street from the hospital where I had my appointment. That was the Fire Services Museum situated within the original fire station for the City of Melbourne. The little museum was quite interesting and had quite a display for being the size it was.

Then came the surprise. The last area we wondered into began with a main room of three small rooms. In that main area there were firemen uniforms from several other countries on manikins. But on a very big wall in a place of honour was your Flag of Heroes. I was almost in shock to see it and could not move from the spot. As I read the the information at the base of the flag, the tears started welling up and then flowing down. There was no way to stop that release of sad emotion. I moved here just three months after the 9/11 attacks. Even though I did not have any "personal" loss when it came to family and loved ones, as an American I had loss. We all suffered loss. The world suffered loss that day and unfortunately it continues to this day.

The curator's of this little museum were kind enough to photo copy the letter on display with the flag sent by John Michelotti and/or BIE LLC. If I am successful in scanning the letter, I will be sending it today as a attachment to a large High School Alumni Group of email chatters through Yahoo. We correspond daily, and they would be very proud to see this letter, and your flags. I am also providing them with your web address to they can view it all.

Thank you all for sending that flag here to Melbourne, Australia. It is one more thing that I am proud of (Mr. Michelotti's unselfish work to keep the memory of those who sacrificed their all for others) and keeps my heart close to my homeland.

God Bless you for your efforts and your love.

Mary Lewis

They look beautiful, I hope they look even better when I get them.

I think you are wonderful for thinking of all of the people from 9/11.The flags were even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Thanks to people like you, their names will live on. I will never forget and I pray that generations down the line will keep their memories alive to. I still cry when I think of ALL of the people that died that day and of ALL the people that are here going on without the ones they love and it just breaks my heart. I am thankful God has given us "ANGELS"(you) here on earth to help keep the love in our hearts, even through bad events, by helping us to remember. May God Bless you and your family.

Thank you.

Bobbie Brown

I lost my husband in the attacks and just received a flag. I was deeply touched that you took the time and money to honor those lost on that horrible day. On behalf of my three girls ages 4,3 and 1 year we thank you and pray you have the strength to continue such an important project.
You have truly made a difference in our lives by allowing me to show my children how their father's death impacted strangers around the world. My littlest Grace was born Oct. 11th and never had the honor of meeting her father. This flag will be another piece of her father I will share with her. God Bless You!

Thank you for your hard work and touching tribute to those lost that tragic day.

Anonymous

My husband is Jeffrey Matthew Palazzo of Rescue 5. I have received many
items as tribute for his sacrifice but have never felt the need to order additional ones.
This is the best Tribute I have seen. I received a flag from St Clair's workshop (the Flag of Honor)...
Thank you

Lisa Palazzo

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to purchase this flag. It contains names of people I KNEW.

K.

I am a retired Lt. from NYPD and I wrote this poem about 9/11 and thought you might appreciate it.

I look back on that fateful day,
and all the days before.
I see the Towers glistening
as sunlight bathes each pour.

And then without a warning
there came a sickening roar,
as cowards struck their faithless blow
and sunshine shone no more.

This land was being tested
and its peoples grit assayed.
This was a field of battle
with our hearts and minds displayed.

We rose to the occasion,
as we showed the world our pain.
And our heroes fought the battle
till no remnants did remain.

Today the fight continues
we win battles every day.
The cowards cringe and hide their heads,
they know it's Judgment Day.

America will win this war,
the terrorist's will pay.
And till it's done, all hear our cry
"God Bless The USA."

(In the event someone might like to set it to music I also wrote the chorus below.)

(Chorus)
I will always remember those twin shining spires
and the hero's that rushed there to put out the fires,
and the lives that were saved, and the people who cried,
the families that waited, and the many who died.

T.

MY HUSBAND MARK SCHWARTZ IS ON BOTH FLAGS.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING SOMETHING THAT MEANS SO MUCH TO MY FAMILY.

PATTI

Hi John

This is a note I received from my nephew’s wife who went to a rally in Washington, DC on Sunday.
I thought you would be interested in knowing the effect the Flag of Honor had on people that day.

Eunice

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 7:53 PM
Subject: Rally on Sunday

Hi Eunice

I meant to write to you sooner to fill you in. It was a gorgeous day - not too hot, not too cold. There were about 50 - 60 people involved, some wearing buttons with their loved ones pictures, other carring pictures. We were the only people with signs. Sophie carried one, Daniel and I carried the others. They said "Remember the Hansons, 9/11/01", with the picture in the center. I saw people slowing down in their cars to look at them. Perry and Phil took turns carrying the Flag of Honor, which we had put on a staff. It was pretty amazing - the only flag like it that I saw there. When we reached the end of the walk at the Pentagon, people gathered around, looking for their loved ones names on the flag. A young muslim couple were very taken with it, the man kept touching a particular name on it; putting it to his lips, eyes, cheeks, etc. During the speeches, he stood by Phil, holding the end up so that the whole flag was unfurled. When everything was over, Phil gave him the flag. He and his wife were in tears; and it made us think that maybe Peter and Sue were there with us. I hope that is okay with you.

I took some pictures, I will send them to you as soon as I get them. Hope you have had a good week. Do you know Mr. Doyle? He was a speaker there, also a clergyman who wore a cross made of material from ground zero.

Take care

xo - Lisa

4th flag bought for relatives... they all love it as we lost a family member that dreadfull day.

Frank Wall

Already ordered one for home. This flag will fly in our office of my fire department.
We have many visitors to our office make positive comments on the flag.

Bob Hiller

Have a nice Day... I think it's a great gesture on your companies part to donate proceeds to the people who need it most...

Michael

I've received the Flags I ordered and they're great!
I've gotten many positive comments on my Flag of Heroes sweatshirt. I've given people your website. The flags and shirts are a great way to honor all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Thank you for the opportunity to wear and display your designs

Valerie A. McKenney

We appreciate the opportunity to purchase these wonderful flags on the internet. Looking forward to receiving them.

We kept the Flags of Honor for ourselves and gave the Flag of Heroes to a friend you is a retired Firefighter and he was as touched by the flag and the many names of the heroes. Thank you for issuing these flags.

Donna

This is a wonderful way of paying tribute. Keep up the good work.

I gave the one I purchased to my Brother.

If your WebMaster does not remember, please ask him to add an email forwarder, so us folks can email the site to other Americans.

Joe Hamlet

I think this is a wonderful way in which to support and show our dedication to being an american.
Thank you even more for not letting these people not be forgotten. I am still having great difficulty with the thought that this happened here in America.
The families of the victims I'm afraid have been over looked, I know one person personally and she is having much difficulty in receiving any assistance.
All this stuff was promised to them but then every one got more interested in the Heroes instead of the victims families. There are children with out either one parent or two parents. There are famlies out there with a lose of a son/daughter or both, spouse, friend, partner. No one is thinking of them any more. Which is a real shame because they lost so much. The heroes families knew that their spouses sons/daughters risk their life every day
and something might happen. But the victim families had no idea what hit them and they are brushed under the capet. The companies and supposedly supported agencies sounded so great during the horriable event. But when push comes to shove the victim's families are not addressed, are not recognized. Just the Heroes and their families. I don't understand why this is happening. I just don't get it. Doesn't any one recognize what the victim's families have gone through and what they are still going through?

I'm sorry to unload this on you but I just don't know what to do about it.
There has to be something someone can do. Fitzgerald and Cantor is a prime example. I know they lost most of their staff but now they don't want to even talk with the families that lost family member. Even though the family member that they lost was working for Fitzgerald. Why is that, why are they giving people the run around. WHY???????? I know it wasn't Fitzgerald's faught either but they promised they would do this and that for their
families and they haven't.
I feel as though they shouldn't have said anything if they weren't going to follow through with what they said they were going to do for the families.

Most the collections were taken up for the Heroes Families Again what about the Victim's families.

Thank you Again For At Least trying to Do something.

THANK YOU

Gail Ranalli

Shipment was sooner than expected and everything was as ordered.
It sure was a pleasure ordering from you.

Gene

OUR SON IS A MEMBER OF THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 772 M.P.COMPANY OUT OF TAUNTON, MA.PRESENTLY SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN. WHEN HE RETURNS HOME TO OUR FAMILY WE WILL PRESENT HIM WITH ONE OF THESE FLAGS, AND ONE WILL BE PROUDLY DISPLAYED AT OUR HOME AS A REMINDER OF WHY OUR SON HAS BEEN DEPLOYED AND IS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COUNTRY IN AFGHANISTAN.

I AM VERY PROUD OF MY SON AND WHAT HIS MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN STANDS FOR, SO WILL BE HONORED TO HAVE MY COMMENTS AND FULL NAME INCLUDED IN THIS WONDERFUL TRIBUTE. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

BERNADETTE AND TIM COOK

Thank you and God bless you for supplying this item.

D.

I love the Flag, I saw it down at Ground Zero, so I'm buying it for my wife who lost many friends. The only thing that would have been nice is if it was a stiched flag, but It's still really nice, I can't wait to get it. Thank you.

J.

Thanks for prompt delivery of your beautiful flags !

B.

Flag is much better quality than I thought it would be. I am very proud to own it.

D.

I SAW THIS POSTER HANGING ON THE FENCE AT ST PAULS CHURCH WHEN I VISITED NEW YORK CITY FOR THE REMEMBERANCE LAST WEEK. I AM A 30 YEAR VETERAN OF AN UPSTATE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND INTEND TO HANG THIS POSTER IN THE HALLWAY OF THE DEPARTMENT.

D.

God Bless America

P.

I think these are wonderful and I can't wait to get mine ! What a great way to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom !

B.

Thank you for offering this tribute.

D.

My sister, was one of the victims at the WTC. She was there to attend a meeting. I was dissapointed that the flag of heroes was donated to each family yet the flag of honor was not donated to each of the families. Otherwise I am pleased that such a flag was created. I am also pleased that the contributions will be made to the victims funds which I'll assume is for all the families that may need it.

L.

I ordered this flag so as to fly it wherever my unit may go. We are a New York based unit and very proud of it.

J.

Great experience. Quick shipment and the flags were better than I was expecting! Have added their site to my favorites!
Thanks a bunch.

T.

May we never forget our fellow American on 9-11.

W.

A flag like this is a great idea, and shows great respect for the men and women who were brave to help others. It will hang in my dorm at University Of Florida with great respect towards them.

K.

I think this is a beautiful way to express my heartfelt sympathy to all who lost loved ones on that fateful day.

N.

Have already ordered one flag for our church and have it proudly displayed. This one is for our school. Holy Spirit Church - Pequannock, NJ

M.

Totally awesome. Thank you

G-A.

What A great item. Thanks for creating it and making it available!

D.

I am a fire department member, and am glad to see that the victims of 9/11 can be remembered in this way for all to see.
Thank You for caring!!

E.

Very honorable

M.

NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS, THANKS... I THINK THE FLAGS ARE JUST SUPER !!!!

R.

Thanking you for the opportunity to purchace such a memorable and tragic in our time.

M.

I was a firefighter who responded to ground zero with a k-9 team from Texas.When I returned to new york for the first time after 911 I saw two of your flags hanging in a store . I was very moved at how all my brother firefighters names could fit on a flag. It was overwhelmind to see such a great tribute.I entered the store to buy a flag to hang at my fire station, but was told the flag was for show only and not for sell. I happened to write down your web address before i was thrown out of the store.
I assumed that united we stand and brotherly love was already over in New York. Thank you.

S.

Outstanding product, I've ordered more for presents.

M.

Beautiful idea!

R.

We lost our son and his Brother in-law in Tower one on 9/11 they were on the 98th floor and no one ever heard from them again! We need something to hold on to beside a jaw bone and some teeth!
Thank you for caring about those of us left behind in such great pain.

L.

My department has one of these flags ; it looks great in our muster room. It truely is a flag to be honored.

R.

THANK YOU FOR THE FLAG YOU DONATED TO THE FIREHOUSE.

K.

Thanks you for these flags, these will go to my brother who was the military point man in NJ during the recuse efforts after 911. He spent the year supervising the troops and dealing with the NYC mayor, dignitaries and family of the troops. My sister-in-law escaped from the WTC and my cousin from the Pentagon - you can see we were very lucky. Our school bought these flags and I knew when I saw them that my brother would value and appreciate these tributes.

M.

I lost my brother in the WTC and am ordering these for my Mother and myself.

C.

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