The day after the horrific events of 9/11/01, I felt compelled to go to work. Though I was a field sales representative and wasn't required to appear at the manufacturing plant I felt compelled to put on my suit and head into the office. This was my small way of showing the terrorists that they would not slow me down.
On my way to the office, I stopped at a local party supply store. I entered the store as the manager was opening. I immediately asked if he had any American Flags. He said "yes I do, but they're in the back until the July 4th holiday season." I told him I needed to buy one. He went into the back and pulled out a big bucket of flags. I picked one out and said, "I'd like to buy this one". He said, "Fine, I'll meet you at the register after I put the rest of these away". My reply? "Sir, believe me, if you make these flags available, you'll sell more in the coming days than any Fourth of July season."
So, I hung my flag from my passenger side visor so everyone could see. One of the employees at work, Jodi asked, "Mark, where did you get that flag?" I told her and she immediately went to that store and bought out their inventory. At that time I happened to look out the window and I saw Jodi tying flags to each and every car in the parking lot. She entered the building, greeting with a standing ovation.
You see, the terrorists may have succeeded in killing many innocent Americans; but they failed to kill the American spirit.
May God bless us all! This September 11th and every day.
