A nation stands united
brought together by flight
in memory of September 11th

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Wisconsin Flag Bearers

Bob Warner and Noel Marshall

I, and my wife, Noel Marshall, are proud to be the Wisconsin State Flag Bearers.

The Aircraft

RV-6A

Introduction

On September 11, I was having the usual Tuesday morning breakfast with the Senior Management of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). before heading to the office to fulfill my duties as Executive Vice President. Noel and I were looking forward to dinner out that evening - since September 11th is our wedding anniversary. Like all Americans and freedom-loving individuals, we were devastated by the horror and hatred that erupted that day.

The following hours, days, weeks and months at EAA Headquarters were long.  Vacations and other association priorities took second seat to our responsibilities to cooperate with the government, inform our membership and represent their interests. On September 22, we were happy to roll out our RV6-A and give airplane rides to fellow staff members in celebration of our first access to airspace since the tragedy. Fellow pilots in 30 major metropolitan areas were still grounded and there was still much work to be done.

When I met Molly in February, I was inspired by her new pilot enthusiasm, her commitment to the goals of this project and her tenacity to organize an effort which most large organizations would find challenging. An email from to the Headquarters staff from an EAA member affirmed my resolve to be involved. It read:

"Hello,

Will you PLEASE tell Tom [Poberezny] thanks for his efforts!! Recent months have been a serious wake up call for all of us. I know it's been said many times that you don't realize what you have until it's gone. That statement applies here more than most of us can fathom. In an instant we had something taken from us that is not only part of our lives, but something we are so passionate about that for the most part everything else in our lives is ancillary. We just found out what it is like not to be free. What truly makes this country great is FREEDOM.

After twenty-five years of flying and a handful of ratings, I have to admit I still get the same thrill every time I line up on the centerline and push the throttle forward. What will be different from this day forward is I will never take that freedom for granted again. I am confident that as the adhesive that binds this organization together. Tom will address all EAA members as to what our role will be in insuring that this doesn't happen again.

An EAA Member"

A final thought: as the individual torch is lit by each flag bearer in our home states and carried to New York, the light will grow brighter. Some of us will assemble in Pennsylvania and DC and the light of the Flight Across America will shine "full bright" as we gather in New York City.

Fly Safe. Fly Smart. See you in New York.

Bob Warner

Last Updated: 08/09/02. Copyright © 2002 Flight Across America