September 11, 2011 was a beautiful Sunday on the North Shore. We spent the day in the woods, pausing occasionally to reflect on the contrast of this same day 10 years ago when over 3,000 Americans were murdered in a terrorist attack on American soil.
We tuned the radio to the Vikings game and it was uplifting to listen to the tributes to the victims of 9-11-2001 and hear the enthusiasm of the crowd as our National Anthem was sung. With all of the political infighting and bickering of the last years it was comforting to see all of us simply being proud Americans. We wish this letter could end at that.
Shortly before 5 p.m., we drove past the Naniboujou Lodge on Highway 61 near Hovland. To our surprise their American flags were flying at full mast. We hoped it was just a mistake so we called them to inform them. The woman answering the phone thanked us as she was not aware that the flag should be at half-mast in honor of Patriot Day and in honor of the 3,000 Americans who died in the tragic events of 10 years ago. We were glad we called so the situation could be corrected.
An hour later, we again went past the Naniboujou. Astonishingly the flags were still at full mast. We again called and spoke to the manager on duty. She said they were aware that the flags should be at half-mast but there were no maintenance employees available to lower them.
For us, it was a melancholy way to end an otherwise glorious day. You would think that any owner or staff member could have easily corrected the problem if they so wished.
We hope that perhaps someone managed to get the flags lowered for the last hour of daylight. We feel strongly that all of our area flags should have been lowered. We believe it is important to respect the symbol of our American freedom and those who have fallen defending it.
Steve and Mary Kay Fleace
Hovland
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