Del. Pat McDonough, R-District 7, created the Sept. 11 tradition of waving flags from an Interstate 95 overpass. Together with other Harford County locals, McDonough causes busy drivers to pause and remember the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. The group plans to be on the Route 152 (Mountain Road) overpass over I-95 today from 4 to 7 p.m. (near the Fallston exit). He spoke to The Examiner about his tribute.
By waving flags across 95, what do you hope to convey to drivers?
Each year thousands of drivers see our flags. Waving flags is an appropriate and simple way to help the public remember Sept. 11 during their commute. The response is overwhelming: People honk their horns and stop alongside the road to join us. It?s an easy way for the community to be involved in commemorating the events of the past.
Who usually joins you on the overpass?
Firefighters come and usually the people in the community with their families. Just bring a flag and join in. Children are definitely welcome, and one time a pair of eagles circled over us as we waved our flags. … The children were thrilled.
Since you started this tradition, what was one of the most memorable experiences that occurred?
One man pulled over on the side of the road and came up to speak with me. He said that his brother had been a pilot on the airplane that was hijacked and flown into the Pentagon. The man shook hands with all of the people waving flags, and it was an emotional time for everyone. This is such a simple way to remember the victims.
