News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

September 6, 2002

HARMAN JOINS HERMOSA BEACH STUDENTS FOR FLAG COMMEMORATION IN NEW YORK CITY

NEW YORK CITY - The youthful exuberance was unmistakable at the New York City Fire Museum as four students from Hermosa Valley School met with Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach) and New York City firefighters to commemorate an American flag the students created in response to the September 11th tragedies.

"It doesn't seem real. I didn't think last year that I would be in New York," said ninth grader Michelle Akeley. Added fellow ninth grader Amanda Armer "I still can't believe we're in New York. The whole experience has just been amazing."

Asked about what the students' flag meant to him, New York City Fireman John Jermyn said, "All of these things keep me going. When I see the flag and the kids coming here, it just lights me up inside."

The flag was chosen for display out of the thousands of submissions the museum received in remembrance of the September 11th tragedy. It stands 8-feet by 14-feet and is composed of approximately 200 hand-made pictures, each exploring the themes of love, hope, peace and unity. The project took nine weeks to complete and involved dozens of Hermosa Valley School students.

Dave Irving, the art teacher who inspired his students to create the flag and acted as a chaperon on the trip, said, "We've been reflecting back; a year ago we were in grief and now we are here in New York. This is a journey that keeps touching us. It is incredible to be able to reach out and talk to these firemen."

Rep. Harman (center) met with students from the Hermosa Valley School at the New York City Fire Museum. The students American flag was chosen for display out of thousands of submissions the museum received in remembrance of the September 11th tragedy.

While discussing the events of September 11th with Congresswoman Harman, eighth grader Andrew Clemens stated, "I hope it never happens again, but the effect of this happening has made us come together." His classmate Matthew Minkus chimed in, "It made America stronger."

After representatives of the New York Fire Department traveled to Hermosa Beach to thank the students for the flag and to invite them to see it on display in New York, Harman spearheaded an effort for local groups to organize such a trip.

During the New York visit, New York firefighter Vincent DiForte presented Congresswoman Harman with his personal 343 pin, which symbolizes the total number of firefighters lost on September 11th.

"This project speaks for itself and I am glad the kids are here. This is what real patriotism is about - the imagination of our kids, the heroism of our firefighters and the American flag," stated Harman.

After meeting with the students, Congresswoman Harman attended a special congressional session at New York's Federal Hall to honor those who lost their lives during the attacks on the World Trade Center.

The student's trip was made possible by the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club, which donated $600 to cover incidentals and secured contributions from Southwest Airlines and the New York Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan for travel and accommodations.

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