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s people throughout Texas prepare for the July 4th Weekend, the head of an Austin nonprofit organization is gearing up for his own display of patriotism.

Chris Heisler, president of The Honor Network, has planned a Texas-wide tour to salute military and first responders. “The Honor Tour” will feature special displays of the U.S. Honor Flag, first raised at the State Capitol following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. The Texas House of Represented gifted the flag to Heisler, who later took it up to Ground Zero in New York and hoisted it on a crane.

The events of 9/11 also inspired Heisler to enlist in the U.S. Army where the flag has accompanied him on missions in the Middle East.

Since then, the flag has appeared at hundreds of community and national presentations and ceremonies and has become a symbol of sacrifice and service for the nation’s military, police and firefighters, according to Heisler .

“Everywhere this flag goes, it inspires a flood of emotion, pride, and patriotism, and we are thrilled to bring this national symbol to thousands of Texans during July, the month we celebrate the founding of the nation,” Heisler says. “Sometimes the best gift we can give to our troops and first responders is the gift of awareness and appreciation for the sacrifices they have made.”

The flag will be on display in San Antonio on July 17 as part of the upcoming Heroes Ride motorcycle rally. The tour began in Austin on July 1. The tour will officially conclude July 24 at Minute Maid Park at the match-up between the Houston Astros and Cincinnati Reds. General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet brand is the sponsor of the Texas tour.

www.ushonorflag.org

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