February 25, 2004

By: Don French
Website: http://www.1st-in-flags.com

Marks return of WTC flag flown aboard U.S. space shuttle to honor 9/11 victims

In recognition of Flag Day, Governor George E. Pataki today attended a ceremony marking the return to New York City of an American flag recovered from the World Trade Center debris. The tattered flag, recovered by the city's police department, was flown into space in December on board the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of the agency's Flags for Heroes and Families campaign.

Following the terrorist attacks, NASA flew 6,000 small American flags onboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor during its mission to the International Space Station in honor of the victims, families and heroes of September 11. Upon their return, the flags were mounted on certificates and will be distributed to each of the victims' families in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

The flag was presented today at the American Museum of Natural History's Rose Center for Earth and Space by NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe, NASA astronauts Frank Culbertson, Dominic Gorie, Linda Godwin and Michael Massimino to Governor Pataki, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and representatives from the New York Police Department, Fire Department and the New York and New Jersey Port Authority.

Also see: Mexico Flag

About The Author:

Don French is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-flags.com.  The flags of the world are symbols of recognition full of beauty and color for each country.