If you’ve driven down Jefferson Boulevard near Locks Drive this month, you’ve seen it: thousands of small flags standing in rows, a West Sacramento tradition now in its 25th year. The tribute began with John Vinson, who was removed from an overpass on September 11, 2001 for waving a flag at passing traffic. Instead of stopping, he found a spot on the ground and planted more.
Today his daughter, Christina Blair, organizes the display with her family. Visitors include Richard Hannaford, a South Tower survivor who returns each year to share his story, and Blair says she has met people who missed Flight 93 only because of a delay that morning. Volunteers of all ages, including 19-year volunteer Katelyn Brown, keep the flags standing through the anniversary.
The display comes down Saturday morning, and organizers are inviting the public to help. It’s a simple way to participate in remembrance: show up, pull a flag, and take a moment. Have you visited the West Sacramento flag display, and what did it mean to you?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
