By Eileen Buckley
Niagara Falls, NY – The Patriot Flag made its way through Western New York Wednesday.
It first arrived in Niagara Falls. The Patriot Flag is on a 50-states-in-50-weeks national tour, which began September of 2010. The tour is in honor of those killed in the terroist attacks of 9-11.
Niagara Falls city fire Battalion chief John Frosolone said they were contacted to host the flag.
"The Patriot Flag is going across the country. It's going to 50 states in 50 weeks. The final destination will be the Memorial Museum for the World Trade Center (NYC). They contacted us. It's an honor. They are trying to hit some pretty important points in part of the country," said Frosolone.
The Niagara Falls New York fire Department had the honor of hoisting the Patriot Flag near Table Rock on Goat Island at the Falls for 55 minutes.
"That's the time that it took for the first tower to collapse," said Frosolone.
Members of the newly formed Niagara Parks Police Service Honour Guard were pleased to attend a ceremony at Terrapin Point with their counterparts, the New York State Parks Police, and other American emergency services.
"The five member team of the Niagara Parks Police Service were very honoured to have been invited to participate with our U.S. Partners in this ceremony," Chief Douglas Kane of the Niagara Parks Police Service stated.
Niagara Parks Police Honour Guard Commander, Constable Shawn Black, stated "we received a call from Lt. Moriarity of the New York State Parks Police asking if we would be interested in participating. Having just formed the Honour Guard in late April, it was an excellent way to demonstrate our support for our partners on the other side of the border. We have always had, and continue to enjoy, a great working relationship with them."
Dimensions of the Patriot Flag are 30 x 55.5 feet, weighing 75 pounds.
After it left the Falls Wednedsay late morning, the Patriot Flag then traveled to the Twin Cities. It flew at the Renaissance Bridge between North Tonawanda and the City of Tonawnada.