Sgt. Banfill Dedicates “Flag of Honor” to Maguire Family, Emergency, 1st Responders

“This is a flag for the Maguire Family, and for all heroes and first responders who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Sgt. Terry Banfill began to say on Saturday morning at Restless Oaks in McElhattan.

Banfill, who, as of Saturday, dedicated and donated a total of 299 flags, was the Master of Ceremonies for the morning event which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The flag that was donated in honor of the Maguire Family and all emergency and 1st responders was a bit different than ones that were donated by Sgt. Banfill in the past.

Written along the bottom of the flag are these words:

“The Flag of Heroes was created from the names of the emergency services personnel who gave their lives to save others in the terrorist attacks of 9/11.” “Now and forever it represents their immortality – we shall never forget them,” is emblazoned on the bottom of the flag.

During the event, multiple people in attendance were recognized for their service.

Representatives from two teams of the Lock Haven EMS were on hand until one of the teams received a call, which is an excellent example that EMS is always on the call, 24/7/365 – thank you for your service.

Gerard Banfill of Lock Haven EMS recalled working on September 11; “I went in to work and I could have been mad to see my guys watching the television as I entered the station, but it got real for me the second I saw the second plane hit the tower,” Banfill remembered.

“We were put on a state of readiness, to answer the call and go where we were needed, and some of my staff was ready to go to New York – they were looking for all responders: police, fire, EMS…they were coordinating to get responders there,” Banfill said. “We are here for you, every day.”

Rick Sheasley, Wayne Township Emergency Management Coordinator remembered where he was on September 11, 2001. “On 9/11 I was a member of the Clinton County Emergency Response Team…after the planes hit, the phone calls lit up, people wanting to go out and help, we had an overwhelming amount of people who wanted to help out – it was a logistical nightmare…an interesting and sad day for America.”

A gentleman by the name of Tom Allen was in the restaurant as the dedication ceremony was underway. He told a story about how he was working as an air traffic controller on 9/11 and how planes were landing all over the country, not en route to their original destinations, but to anywhere they could land quickly when air traffic over the United States was grounded.
“Some folks on the airplanes did not have hotels when the planes landed all over the country; strangers offered to put people up in their homes for the time being.”

Bobby Maguire recalled where he was on 9/11/2001.

“I was abroad in Barcelona, Spain, a waiter dropped off drinks from a gentleman in the restaurant, for his “American friends,” we accepted, and then we were taken into a small back room of the restaurant where the family lived…they had a small black and white television and we watched it unfold there.”

What was very touching was something that Sgt. Banfill had the Maguire grandchildren read aloud during the event: 2 quotes, by former President George W. Bush.

“Terrorist attacks can share the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the administration of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”

“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.”

The Maguire Family was present for the flag dedication, including numerous grandchildren, children, siblings, and parents of Jim Maguire.