Politics & Government

Oak Forest City Clerk Receives 9/11 Anniversary Memento from Son in Coast Guard

Scott Burkhardt is proud to display a flag that flew on a U.S. Coast Guard ship in New York Harbor on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

When he received a package addressed to "Scott Burkhardt Sr.," City Clerk Scott Burkhardt knew something was up.

His son rarely uses the suffix in correspondences with his father. When the elder Burkhardt opened the package, he understood why.

Inside was something Burkhardt will cherish: a United States flag that fluttered aboard the U.S. Coast Guard ship in New York Harbor on Sept. 11, 2011.

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The flag, which had been aboard the same ship as Scott Burkhardt Jr., was flown at 9:03 a.m. Eastern—the exact moment U.S. Airlines Flight 175 struck the south tower of the World Trade Center, 10 years earlier.

Scott Burkhardt Jr. is 24 years old and has been with the Coast Guard for four years. He is responsible for patrolling New York Harbor and was aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Response Small the morning of the 10th anniversary.

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City Clerk Burkhardt shares his thoughts on receiving the flag in the accompanying video. The flag is on display in a glass case in the foyer of


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