Brad Meltzer’s Role in 9/11 Flag
Oline H. Cogdill


911memorial
It seems inconceivable—as nearly everyone has been mentioning this week—that the horrible events of September 11, 2001, were 15 years ago.

Each of us remembers where we were when we first heard or saw this news. I know I shall never forget—and I hope none of us ever forget.

Of the many symbols that came out of that day was a photograph that represented resilience, pride in our country, and surviving. The photograph is of three firefighters raising an American flag amid the ruins of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

It wasn’t long after that photograph was taken that the flag disappeared. Despite officials’ many attempts, the flag could not be found.

Until now.

And author Brad Meltzer has a connection to this historical artifact.

It happened just days after a segment on the flag was featured on the first episode of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History, which was broadcast in 2014 on H2, a spinoff of the History Channel.

A grainy video showing the flag was broadcast on Meltzer’s program on October 31, 2014. Four days later, a man carrying a plastic bag walked into a fire station in Everett, Washington. The man, who called himself “Brian” and said he was a former Marine, had seen the show and believed he had the flag.

The man did not take the $10,000 reward that Meltzer had offered for the flag’s return.

After much research and testing, it was determined the flag was authentic.

Last Wednesday, September 7, 2015, Meltzer was at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City as the flag was unveiled. It will be permanently displayed there.

Meltzer gives full credit to finding the flag to the help from law enforcement, forensic experts, eyewitnesses, and the former Marine.

As an author, Meltzer uses history in his thrillers, the latest of which is The House of Secrets, and also in his children’s books, the latest of which are I Am George Washington and I Am Jane Goodall. Now Meltzer is participating in history.

Meltzer will host a one-hour History Channel special, America's 9/11 Flag: Rise from the Ashes, at 10:30 p.m. EST on Sunday, September 11.

For more information, visit BradMeltzer.com.

And today, remember how this terrorist attack changed America. Give thanks to our first responders.

And never forget.

Oline Cogdill
2016-09-11 01:35:00