Patriot Guard Riders honor 9/11 victims with ‘Never Forget’ flags
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, people across the country are reflecting on a day that changed the nation forever.
In southeastern North Carolina, the Patriot Guard Riders are working to keep the memories of those who died — and the first responders who ran toward danger — alive for generations to come.
The organization is made up of friends, volunteers, veterans, former first responders and law enforcement officers who share a mission of honoring those who were lost.
“Volunteering our time to support first responders and veterans that have passed. We stand flag lines; we do motorcycle escorts to their final resting place,” said Kobe Kelley, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders.
On Wednesday, the group carried that mission from fire station to fire station, presenting special “Never Forget” flags to local fire departments.
The flags were designed by Gwen Loiacono, who says the idea came to her in a dream just days after the attacks. She envisioned the flag flying beneath the American flag on September 11.
“It ended up at the Cape Fear Museum on display for a couple of years, and then it ended up going to New York, and the rest is history. We’ve donated thousands of 9/11 flags to the family members and rescue workers,” said Loiacono.
Loiacono said the design was also created to spark conversation and help younger generations understand the significance of the day.
“It’s a very prominent flag; the colors are very vibrant, so if nothing else, it’s going to raise questions about, you know, what is this all about, and I think it’s a teaching moment; the 25 years, it’s also very important to never forget,” said Loiacono.
Wilmington Fire Chief Steve Mason said displays like the flags can serve as a lasting reminder, particularly for people who were too young to remember the attacks themselves.
“This is just a way of living that slogan of “never forgetting.” We’re going to take ours and display them proudly in our fire stations in recognition of not only their generosity but in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11th.”
Twenty-five years later, the memories of September 11 remain a part of the nation’s history — honoring the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the sacrifices made that day.
