9/11 flag memorial will line GMD again this year

In 2002, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce organized a ceremony to pay tribute to those who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

People gathered in Joan M. Durante Park with first responders and rang a bell, just as millions were doing across the country.

As the date approached in 2003, Chamber President Gail Loefgren thought to herself, “How could we make this a more unique experience on Longboat Key to honor the lives that passed on 9/11?” 

Originally, she wanted to bring 2,000 large American flags to the ceremony in Joan M. Durante Park. When she realized that wasn’t possible, she went to the chamber board and pitched the idea of putting small flags alongside the entirety of Gulf of Mexico Drive. 

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“It is a huge partnership between Reed Savidge at the hardware store, the residents and chamber members and the town, which puts them out,” said Loefgren. 

With donations from chamber members and Longboat residents, Loefgren bought 2,974 flags from Savidge at Longboat ACE Hardware, who gave her a deal of $1 per flag. The Longboat Key Public Works Department places the flags along Gulf of Mexico Drive every year.

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“In 2001, we said we would never forget and so far we have not,” said Loefgren. “It's uplifting to the community that we put those out every year. It means a lot to people who are just driving through as well. It surprises them. I think it tells them who we are.”

This year, employees from the Public Works Department will start placing the flags Sept. 9-10, according to Loefgren. 

She said that since this has been a memorial for so many years, the Longboat ACE Hardware gives them any new flags that they need for free. 

“It's the generosity that warms my heart that so many people care enough and they still care,” said Loefgren. “We get lots of comments every year when those flags go up about what a wonderful memorial it is. And I just hope that we keep doing it forever.”