Flags serve as 'promise' to 9/11 victims

PARKVILLE, Md. (WMAR) - They line both sides of Putty Hill Avenue in the area of Parkville High School. Flags, Flags and more flags. They serve as a silent reminder, and for students at the school not old enough to remember – a history lesson.

The 2,977 American flags lining both sides of the road were placed there by members of the Iron Shields. They’re a motorcycle group of law enforcement officers, and a band of brothers working to make sure that the promise is kept. It’s a promise that the tragedy of the 9/11 attack is not forgotten on its 11 ^th anniversary.

“Hopefully the 11 ^th will be as important as any other anniversary,” said Iron Shields member Chuck Ritzier.

Ritzier said the idea to place the flags spawned from something similar done elsewhere. He said each flag represents a life lost in the 9/11 attack.

Ritzer and the Iron Shields will ride through the area as a part of a memorial ride they will take Saturday. The ride will begin at the Chesapeake Harley Davidson in Darlington, Md. He said riders will start the route at 11:30 a.m. and will be preceded by six moments of silence recognizing various tragic events related to the attack.

Registration for the ride is scheduled for 8 a.m. Proceeds will be donated to charity.