Local flagmaker memorializes 9/11 attacks

It’s been six years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks but for some people it seems like yesterday.

Gwen Loiacono had a dream the day after the terrorist attacks and within months turned that dream into a reality. She’s now helping to comfort thousands of people.

Loiacono said, “Days after 9/11 we were just all grieved and this was my way of giving back.”

Loiacono turned a dream of a flag, flying at ground zero, into something tangible.

“About 2,000 flags have been donated to the families and they continue to call almost on a daily basis, especially this time of year,” Loiacono said.

These flags come in all different sizes and forms, for sale to anyone who wishes to remember. Six years later, families of those who died in the attacks, still call
Loiacono to tell the stories of their loved ones.

“It’s like reliving that day everyday when we hear their story. It’s very therapeutic for them to talk and it’s like reliving that day every day,” Loiacono said

With each flag that’s flown Loiacono feels a sense of accomplishment.

“It is our mission to make sure nobody forgets what happened that day, never the victims that died and the lessons that need to be learned from that day.”

Lessons that she thinks need to be passed on.

“We could have another 9/11 — worse if we’re not careful. It’s just really important that we teach our children the lessons that we all learned that day.”

Loiacono has two different designs for her flags: “God Bless America” and “Never forget.”

For more information visit www.911flag.org