History of The 9-11 Remembrance Flag
Later known as THE NEVER FORGET FLAG
The 9-11 Remembrance Flag / 9-11 Never Forget Flag was created as a lasting tribute to nearly 3000 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to the courage of the first responders and brave citizens who answered the call. For decades, this flag has traveled across communities, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reminding generations that we must never forget. Thousands of flags have been donated to 9/11 family members, rescue workers, memorials, and fire/police stations.
The Original Prototype
Prototype Created 3 days after 9/11
Before the final design of the 9/11 Remembrance Flag was created, there was the very first prototype — handmade by Richard Loiacono, husband of the flag’s designer, Gwen Wells Loiacono.
In the days following September 11, 2001, Gwen had a dream about a flag she believed she was meant to create in remembrance of those who had been lost. Richard helped bring that vision into physical form by making the first prototype by hand.
The prototype also became part of the process through which the final design was established.
Richard had suggested placing the star representing Pennsylvania in the position seen on this original prototype. However, the placement did not correspond with the position Gwen had seen in her dream. After examining the prototype, the placement was changed to reflect that original vision.
Rather than being discarded, the first prototype became an important part of the flag’s history.
This original prototype ultimately became part of the collection at the Cape Fear Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina.
In a September 11, 2011 post, the Cape Fear Museum shared that it had two copies of the Remembrance Flag created by Gwen Wells Loiacono as part of its collection. The museum also recognized the purpose behind the flag: honoring those who were lost on September 11 and bringing the flags to the families of the victims.
**The first prototype. ***The beginning of a symbol***A piece of history preserved.**
In December 2001, the original 9-11 "God Bless America" Remembrance Flag makes its way to Ground Zero
December 2001, The 9/11 Remembrance Flag
Makes its way to Shanksville, PA Memorial
In 2003, the documentary "Something To Remember Us"
made it's debut- Produced by NJ filmmaker, Brian Hemstreet
In 2004, The Army's 42nd Infantry officially requested the
"Never Forget" version of the flag
Local flag maker memorializes 9/11 attacks
September 10, 2007 WWAY News
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
