South Carolina bridge tradition marks 25 years of 9/11 flag-waving
PN Team • 2 months ago
For 25 years, residents of York County, South Carolina have gathered on the Sutton Road overpass above I-77 in Fort Mill to wave American flags in remembrance of the September 11 attacks. The tradition began the morning of the attacks in 2001, when Leonard Farrington grabbed a flag from outside his Rock Hill home and stood on the bridge waving it for hours. Others joined him over the years, including volunteer firefighter Rose DeBus, who has returned nearly every anniversary since. Farrington died in 2012, and the bridge was renamed in his honor the following year.
On the 25th anniversary, dozens of people, including firefighters, first responders and members of the veterans' advocacy group Rolling Thunder, lined both sides of the overpass as passing drivers honked in support. Organizers said turnout has fluctuated over the decades but saw a resurgence this year, with participants describing the ritual as a way to keep the memory of 9/11 alive for younger generations.
Sources:
Sentiment
- South Carolina South Carolina is the setting for a positive, community-honoring 9/11 remembrance tradition.