(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A local family continues to honor their loved one’s memory by carrying on a tradition he started 22 years ago–waving an American flag at the corner of Galley Road and North Academy Boulevard, in the spirit of remembrance and unity following the 9/11 terror attacks.
The tradition began on Sept. 11, 2002, when Criss Seal hoisted an American flag at the busy Colorado Springs intersection, with no intent other than to remind anyone driving or walking nearby of the unity shared by Americans on Sept. 12, 2001.
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Seal carried on that tradition, of carrying the American flag at the intersection for 12 hours on Sept. 11 every year, until his passing in 2018. Now, his family has taken up the mantle, so his passion will not be forgotten, nor the memories of all those who died 23 years ago.
“We didn’t personally lose anyone in the 9/11 tragedy, but my brother’s belief was he just wanted to carry on that unity in the community,” said Liz Brouillette, Seal’s sister. “He wanted everybody to have that feeling of togetherness, that everybody felt September 12.”