9-11 Caring Carolina

Patriotism in SC

Renewed Patriotism in South Carolina

National Flag Run comes to Kershaw County!

                September 11, 2001 changed many lives in South Carolina. Many South Carolinians have shown more patriotism since then.  This link is about how South Carolinians have had renewed patriotism since September 11, 2001.

                On December 7, 1941 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and America was changed.  On September 11, 2001, America was changed again.  On September 11, 2001, more lives were lost and many elderly people in South Carolina said, “This is another Pearl Harbor.”  They were reminded of how bad they felt back in 1941.  Kunio Iwashita, a World War II pilot, said, “I was very impressed with all the flags on buildings and cars, with the patriotism Americans showed after September 11, 2001.  I realized what a big, strong country America is. I had no idea about that in 1941.

                From October 11th to November 11th, 2001, there was a flag run.  The flag run began in New York and ended in Los Angeles.  Kershaw County citizens were asked to line up along the route to show respect.  The flag used was from a F-16 fighter plane.  Lansing Brewer also encouraged people to line up along the route to show respect and he has set up a local effort for American Airlines.

                Bellsouth has shown very great patriotism by putting two decals on every one of their 26,000 vehicles.  They have done this in nine southeastern states, including South Carolina.  They also donated $1 million dollars to the American Red Cross.

                Since September 11, 2001 young people have shown patriotism.  The same kids that used to roll their eyes and chat through the National Anthem, now shop the city for flags. Some of the Furman University students stated their opinions. Like Loren Nirumandrad said, “Before I used to shrug off patriotism.  I felt no bond with my country.”  Tricia Nichols who cried during the National Anthem said, “The emotions caught me by surprise.  I hadn’t  related to the flag since I’d been overseas.”  Thomas Jodziewicz and Betty Jean Craige have their opinions also.  Ms. Craige’s students created a memorial, which they are proud of.  Mr. Jodziewicz says about his students, “I’m not suggesting they have no values, but this is so outside the box. They’ve responded with blood, money, prayers, and I find it marvelous.”  Dasef Weems says, “I have a different outlook of the country now.  On TV, at football and baseball games, the country has come together and unified and that’s really good.” 

                All of these ways are great ways to show patriotism.  Like the flag run, many people were urged to line up and most people in South Carolina did.  Bellsouth showed great patriotism and put two decals on each vehicle, and they donated money to the Red Cross. Also young  people have shown patriotism by buying flags and clothing to show pride in their country.  It is really neat that all South Carolinians are showing patriotism in all these ways.  On March 11, six months after, we are still showing what a strong and powerful state and country we are.