Memorial Flag to Commemorate FDNY Service for the Fallen Bravest on Display at New Yorks Hotel Pennsylvania

New Yorks Hotel Pennsylvania will display the Memorial Flag, made to honor the victims of 9/11, in the Hotel Lobby on Saturday, October 12th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This exhibition is being held in conjunction with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Memorial Service for the Fallen Bravest, at Madison Square Garden across the street.

(New York City, NY) — New Yorks Hotel Pennsylvania will display the Memorial Flag, made to honor the victims of 9/11, in the Hotel Lobby on Saturday, October 12th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This exhibition is being held in conjunction with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Memorial Service for the Fallen Bravest, at Madison Square Garden across the street.

The Memorial Flag, designed by Thomas McBrien IV from Upper Black Eddy, PA, is 21 ft. x 31 ft., and represents the efforts of 450 people and 5 months of stitching. The Flag is composed of 3,012 miniature flags representing each victim, plus an additional 86 hand-painted flags representing countries that lost citizens in the tragedy and the service organizations involved in search efforts.

"We want to commemorate all who lost their lives in this tragedy by displaying the Memorial Flag in our lobby," said Steven Leonard, the Hotels director of sales and marketing.

The FDNY Memorial Service is presented by the FDNY, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) and the Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA). It will serve to honor the 343 members of the FDNY who perished in the tragic 9/11 attacks, as well as seven other FDNY members killed in the line-of-duty since the last such service was held in October 2000.

When asked about attending the Memorial Service, Thomas McBrien IV noted, "This service represents not only our community but the fallen members of the New York Fire Department. It is an important step towards healing for all; to move ahead but never forget."

The flag was conceived when Thomas McBrien IV wanted to buy a large American flag following the events of 9/11. Unable to do so, he involved his local community to create one large flag from many. Upon completion, it was presented to the City of New York to mark the 6-month anniversary of 9/11 during a ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid. In addition, the flag has been on display at the Pentagon, and the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Its final destination is the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Since 1919, New Yorks Hotel Pennsylvania has been host to over 27 million visitors, making it the Worlds Most Popular Hotel. Extensively renovated, the property has 1,700 rooms, and over 90,000 square feet of meeting and adjacent exhibit space. New Yorks Hotel Pennsylvania is capable of handling conventions, tours and individual traveler requirements. Its location on 7th Avenue at 33rd Street is convenient to the fashion and business districts, as well as the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The property is known for having the longest running telephone number, immortalized in Glen Millers famous song Pennsylvania 6-5000. Reservations can be made at this number locally (212), by calling (800) 223-8585, or on-line at www.hotelpenn.com
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