Predawn pouring rain Sunday couldn’t dampen the spirit of more than 300 patriotic participants on a mission to never forget the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The ninth annual Allegheny Valley Moving Flag Tribute for 9/11 began at 5:30 a.m. in Harrison, with the first participant running with an American flag in the torrential rain.
“No one canceled because of the rain,” said Kate Bielak of Harrison, organizer and Team Red, White and Blue of Pittsburgh member.
Bielak’s goal is to maintain at least one American flag moving the entire time from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., along Broadview Blvd. in Harrison.
The time frame was chosen because, at 5:45 a.m., the first terrorists boarded planes and at 8:30 p.m. then-President George W. Bush addressed the nation about the 9/11 events, Bielak said.
During the tribute, flags must never touch the ground.
More than 200 volunteers, consisting of families, teams and individuals, took turns moving flags along Broadview Boulevard in 30-minute shifts.
Participants can walk, bike, run or ruck — short for ruck sack, a military term for 35-pound packs worn and often used in training.
“The bigger goal is to flood the street with American flags as a visual reminder of that terrible day in American history and how our country came under brutal attack,” Bielak said. “But, most importantly, how our country and our community united that day and the days after.”
Participants carry American flags Sunday along Broadview Blvd. during the ongoing 9/11 Moving Flag Tribute hosted by Team Red, White and Blue (Pittsburgh Chapter) in Harrison. @VNDNews @TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/Dd4BSavzQr
— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) September 11, 2022
Bielak of Harrison served for five years as an Army officer in the Military Police Corps.
She’s married to Steve Bielak, a teacher, and has four children.
She formed Red, White and Blue National and is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter.
Participant Ryan Lilly of Harrison was an active-duty Marine stationed at Parris Island, S.C., on 9/11, and he said the day will forever be frozen in time in his mind.
“You just knew something was wrong,” Lilly said of watching the news that morning on base. “The phones started ringing, and every PMO (provost marshal office) was called to muster and the base went on lockdown.”
Lilly has volunteered for the moving tribute for four years and brings family members and friends.
“Sept. 11 has always meant something to me. It’s my way of giving back,” Lilly said.
Bill Celko, a Highlands elementary teacher and Brackenridge resident, participates annually with his wife.
Celko, 42, recalled being 21 and a college student at Clarion University when he heard the news of the events of that day.
The Celko’s said motorists often honk, holler and sometimes chant ‘U.S.A.’ ” while passing the tribute.
He praised Bielak’s dedication to the event.
“Kate is involved in everything around here. She’s a real patriot,” Celko said.
The free event collected more than $1,200 in donations for local charities. The Allegheny Valley Association of Churches, which operates a food bank in Harrison, received $525 plus a large amount of food donations to help with their mission. The Heroes Stocking Project received $700 in donations.
Numerous sports teams, including Highlands Area Soccer Club, participate annually.
This year, HASC member Sophia Barch, 6, walked with her mother, grandmother and aunt.
“They’ve grown up now and we have all these generations. They know the importance of remembering 9/11 and we wanted to walk with Sophia,” grandmother Barbara Crawford said.
Each year, volunteer students from the Highlands High School choir participate and sing the “Star Spangled Banner” at 6:30 p.m.
Choir director Michael Zeiler supports the event in an effort to educate the next generation.
“I will always support the heart and spirit of Kate. No matter how many years pass from 2001, we recognize the day as patriotic, and that means something special now. Our community is so blessed to have a wonderful human like Kate,” Zeiler said.
Highlands High School freshman Abby Koharchik has participated since she was a little girl.
“It feels respectful to walk. It’s our family tradition,” she said.
For Bielak, the day always stirs up mixed feelings.
“My emotions are a constant mix of pride in my community and sorrow for what happened,” Bielak said.
