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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flight Across America Chooses State Flag Bearers REDMOND, Washington – July 22, 2002 – The Flight Across America, a national effort to celebrate the freedom of flight in America and honor those fallen in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, announced this week that they’ve chosen pilots from 26 states to fly official state flags to ceremonies in New York City in early September. Event coordinators are working to sign up pilots from the remaining states as well. The Flight Across America plans to present all fifty state flags to the people of New York City in a show of national unity. “It was extremely difficult to choose between the many qualified pilots that have applied so far,” said flag coordinator Kirk Kleinholz, himself carrying the Washington State flag. “Applicants shared with us stories about where they were on 9/11, about family members they lost and about how they wanted to do all they could to support New York City and the country.” The pilots selected for the honor have varied backgrounds and emotional connections to the tragedy of last year. One pilot proposed to his wife on top of the World Trade Center. Another is a Sargent in the New York Police Department in lower Manhattan. Many are former military and airline pilots. The Flight Across America is organizer Molly Peebles’ vision to use aviation to help inspire and bring the nation together and call attention to the contributions aviation has made throughout history. In addition to flying flags from all fifty states and Puerto Rico, pilots across the country will fly to destinations of their choosing in support of the longer flights. All registered flights, including the official flag flights, can be monitored on the Flight Across America web site at http://www.flightacrossamerica.com. Flight Across America kicks off with an ambitious start on August 11, 2002 at Paine Field, home base to Peebles and Kleinholz. Starting at 9am with breakfast served by local firefighters, state officials will read a proclamation from Governor Locke and present Kleinholz with a Washington State flag. Afterwards, dozens of aircraft will depart in an effort to land at all 138 airports in the State. For more information including an event calendar, or to participate, visit the Flight Across America web site at http://www.flightacrossamerica.com. ######### FOR MORE INFORMATION: Snohomish County Airport Paine Field |
Last Updated: 07/25/02. Copyright © 2002 Flight Across America |
