Dennis Lyall (American, B. 1946) "Firemen Raising Flag At World Trade Center" Signed lower middle. Oil on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Commerative Cover for Old Glory's Proudest Moments postmarked on the anniversary September 11, 2002. On the morning of September 11, 2001, the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history struck America at its core after four airliners were hijacked. Two were flown into the twin World Trade Center towers in New York City, one hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a fourth was brought crashing down into a Pennsylvania field by its heroic passengers. More than 2,800 people were killed. That day ordinary people performed extraordinary deeds, defying danger and death to save others. In a valiant rescue effort, courageous fire fighters in New York City charged up the stairs of the flaming towers of the World Trade Center, and many sacrificed their own lives when the buildings collapsed. A sense of grief and loss spread across the nation, evoking a surge of patriotism and a heartfelt willingness to share. Thomas Franklin of the Bergen, New Jersey Record captured the moment in his photograph of New York fire fighters Dan McWilliams, George Johnson and Billy Eisengrein raising the U.S. Flag amidst the rubble of the World Trade Center. In the days following the disaster, the Flag continued to serve as a symbol of respect, love, and national unity. The Stars and Stripes sprouted like wildflowers after a spring storm -- on houses, stores, trucks, cars, and lapels. Simultaneously, the inspirational image of fire fighters raising Old Glory atop a heap of rubble, like that of Marines raising the Flag on rugged Iwo Jima during World War II, became a symbol of the indomitable American spirit. Image Size: 15 x 12.75 in. Overall Size: 16 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B16958)