“I don’t want anyone to forget those people that died that day,” said Bonnie Stauffacher of Blaine. “I don’t want people to become complacent about patriotism and love for this country.
It’s been 22 years since one of the darkest days in United States history. Almost 3,000 individuals were lost on 9/11/2001 when Al Qaeda attacked the nation on US soil. When Monday 9/11/2023 rolled around, Stauffacher paid tribute to the 9/11 victims
She and others others waved flags as they occupied a bridge over US 10 in Coon Rapids.
“I ran here from my gym by Festival Foods,” Stauffacher said.
Rallying point
The flag wavers stood next to fire trucks from Coon Rapids and Ramsay, as a gigantic US flag flapped in the wind above them. When cars and trucks drove by, many honked their horns in support.
“If I can bring a smile and a high five or a honk from a veteran or a poor young soldier who is suffering from PTSD and bring a little smile they know that we have never forgotten about them,” Stauffacher said. “We’ll never forget about them and we’re always here for them.”
Even in these polarized times, Stauffacher believes 9/11 can be a rallying point.
Said Stauffacher: “I 100 percent believe it can bring people together.”
Stauffacher hopes that reflecting on 9/11 will bring some unity to the US.
“We all need something to come together on,” Stauffacher said. “Why not the flag, why not our country?”
The Al Qaeda attacks remain the worst against the homeland in the history of the United States.
