Colorado Springs man walks flag around local intersection in remembrance of 9/11
Traditions are developing around what is now known as Patriot Day.
One Colorado Springs man has formed a rather moving one at an intersection in town for many years now.
For 12 hours Criss Seal walked around the intersection of Academy and Galley in Colorado Springs carrying an American flag. He said he’s done so for the past 17 years for a purpose.
“So it’s not being washed away, it’s not being forgotten,” Seal said. “I just want everyone to remember how that was and how we felt that first year and that we came together.”
He’s hoping to spread his message of unity.
“I never lost anybody, I’m not a veteran, but if we look at it, we all lost somebody because we’re Americans,” Seal said.
Cars honked and people yelled out of windows in support of Seal’s actions. He said the response is what keeps him going.
“Just getting to know people that have the same heart and that passion that I’m trying to deliver to the community,” Seal said. “To let them know we can all grow from this.”
Randina Hoyt and her 5-year-old daughter Reyna stopped to give Seal some water.
“I’ve passed him probably about six times today and every time I’ve seen him, I’ve honked to show my thanks for him,” Hoyt said.
While Hoyt’s daughter never experienced that terror, she wants her to understand it.
“I think it’s important for her to see and experience the history so she knows full well, so she never forgets too,” Hoyt said.
Even over the years, the support and the 12 hours on the intersection has changed Seal too.
“It’s opened my heart,” Seal said.
Seal estimates he walked 50 miles around Academy and Galley today. He said while it’s a long day, he’ll do it every year until he physically cannot walk it anymore.
