NEVER, EVER FORGET SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

          FLAG MEMORIAL....
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

Lafayette Flag Brigade is the name given to a grassroots association of patriotic individuals who came together on 9-11-01 to fly the stars and stripes.

1-14-2012: SPECIAL APPEAL FROM THE LAFAYETTE FLAG BRIGADE:

NYFD Fireman Sean Hickey, who was the featured speaker at the Lafayette Flag Brigade's 10th Annual 9/11 Remembrance, is once again back in the news.

Sean lives in the East Bay and was replacing his roof around the start of the new year. The contractor who was doing the work had mentioned to Sean that he owned a home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that had burned down on New Year's day. During the firefight, one of the fireman yelled out "Mayday" several times and appeared to have died at the scene. He was later revived, but sustained serious injuries. The roofing contractor mentioned to Sean that the house was not insured and was a complete loss. He also noted that there was a $1500 reward for those responsible for setting the fire.

Sean was upset that the reward was so small and donated $500 of his own money to the reward fund. Additionally, Sean was also instrumental in setting up a separate fund for James O'Neal, the injured fireman. Sean's story was picked up by Fox News 23 of Tulsa, and reporter Abbie Alford put together a terrific video relating the whole story. The story has gone national, and all of us should be proud of Sean's efforts. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last that Sean has stepped up to help those in need.

Go to:

Injured Tulsa Firefighter

for the story and video.

The Lafayette Flag Brigade salutes Sean Hickey, who never fails to help those less fortunate. Thank you Sean for all your generosity, support, and invaluable advice these past several years!

Those who wish to donate to the fund to help fireman James O'Neal can send their payments directly to:

Fire Fighter J. O'Neal Recovery Fund
Fire Fighters Credit Union
9200 E 41st St.
Tulsa, OK 74145-3318
1-800-786-FFCU

Note: James O'Neal's condition is improving rapidly and he has been released from the hospital, but is expected to be off work for an extended period of time recovering from his injuries.

For a more detailed personal account of Sean Hickey's experience on 9-11-2001, please see this article from the October 2011 issue of "Alive East Bay Magazine":

FDNY Eyewitness of 9/11

(article in Adobe PDF format: FDNY Eyewitness of 9/11)

Here are just a few of the scenes and events from our 10th annual remembrance event:





The Lafayette Flag Brigade thanks the hundreds of individuals and volunteers who made our 10 year anniversary event a very special remembrance.
Please click here to see many more photos of our 2011 remembrance program

You may also find continued remembrance in the following videos taken at our 2011 event:

Remembrance and Candlelight Vigil

Sean Hickey, Retired NYC Firefighter and 9/11 First Responder, part 1

Sean Hickey, Retired NYC Firefighter and 9/11 First Responder, part 2

Please click here to see photos of our 2010 remembrance program

The 8th annual remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001, was inspirational and patriotic.
Please click here to see photos of our 2009 remembrance program.

Please click here to see additional photos of our 2009 remembrance program, used with the generous permission of Dawn Thornton.

Please click here to see photos from our September 11th 2008 remembrance.
(click here to see a photo gallery prepared by Erik Kristiansen)
Click here for photos taken at the rally in Berkeley on 3-22-08 in support of the US Marines

Please click here to see photos from our September 11th 2007 remembrance.

Would you like to assist the Lafayette Flag Brigade in its efforts to provide a respectful remembrance of the events of 9-11-2001?
If so, please contact us by email.

Click on the links below to see photos from previous remembrances.

(Photo gallery)   (Photos, 6-11-02)   (Photos, 7-11-02)   (More 7-11-02)   (Photos, 11-11-02)   (Photos, 2-11-03)
  (Photos, 3-11-03)   (Photos, 9-11-06)

First Anniversary Gallery, September 11, 2002 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
   (Photos by Linda Kramer)   (Learn about 'Blue Star Moms')

(Warren Emmett Rice Gallery)       Ed Hotchkiss Gallery

Since 9-11-01, the Lafayette Flag Brigade has displayed a flag on the 11th of each month on the El Curtola bridge between Lafayette and Walnut Creek over Highway 24 near the I-680 interchange. On September 11th each year, we have a special remembrance and flag display. Show your support by joining us and waving a flag, or honking your horn as you drive by.

Since September 11th, families and individuals have come together to remember those who tragically died, and later to show support for the war on terrorism.

All of us are working individuals who take time from our schedules to do something we think is important. We come from Oakland, Alameda, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Lafayette, Concord, Antioch and other towns in the East Bay.

Memorial plaque at Martinez, California AMTRAK station. Photo by Jim Hawksworth 2004. Used with permission.

The official song of The Lafayette Flag Brigade is America Beloved by Ed Manuel. Used with permission.

Sing/songwriter Diana Nagy has also shown her support for our troops. Click here to learn more about this talented performer.

Other websites we recommend:

Move America Forward
Melanie Morgan
Pipeline News