In case you missed it: Ashen, tattered and blowing in the wind, the torn United States flag was recovered after the World Trade Center crumbled.  The flag was stitched back together several years later and grew into a symbol that reinforces the same commitment to service and volunteerism experienced across the country and world on Sept. 12, 2001.

Led by founder Jeff Parness, volunteering organization New York Says Thank You is ensuring the the flag is restored to its original state.  On the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the flag will embark on a national tour to be restitehced to its original glory. The first stop for the National 9/11 Flag will be Mena, Ark., where New Yorkers and more than 1,000 volunteers will help  rebuild this tornado-ravaged town. A stitching ceremony will be held there, and others across the country, until the 20-foot-by-30-foot flag is fully restored.

After the flag makes its journey across America, it will return to New York City, where it will be added to the permanent collection of the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Fox 5 News (above) reported on the flag during an unfurling ceremony in lower Manhattan.

"We are honored to accept The National 9/11 flag, which has grown to become a symbol of hope and a sign of survival," 9/11 Memorial President Joe Daniels said in a recent unfurling ceremony held near the future site of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. "The Museum will ensure that future generations understand the history of compassion and volunteerism arising from the 9/11 attacks. This flag is part of that story and reminds us of the tremendous capacity of the human spirit."

By Michael Frazier, Sr. Communications Manager for the 9/11 Memorial