JOPLIN, Mo. —
Chip Spencer runs or walks most every day. On Tuesday, the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack, he decided to run with the red, white and blue in observance of Patriot Day.
“I think you are part of the solution or part of the problem,’’ said Spencer, of Joplin. “I want to be part of the solution. This day reminds me that we live in a free country where you can still express yourself.’’
As Spencer was running west on West 32nd Street, he encountered Buffy Pardon who was walking to the McDonald’s restaurant at 32nd Street and McClelland Boulevard, where she works.
“I thought he was out getting his exercise and then I saw the Flag and thought about Sept. 11,’’ she said. “That made me think about whether we were flying our flag at half-mast. I can see from here that we are not. I need to tell them about that.’’
After she arrived to work, the restaurant lowered its flag to half staff.
Flags across the city were lowered Tuesday in observance of Patriot Day. Middle school students prepared “goody bags’’ for soldiers overseas and college students helped make repairs to an historic church in downtown Joplin.
For Spencer, it was a moment to put a smile on someone’s face.
“I have had 50 people at least wave or honk at me today,’’ said Spencer. “What was it that Emerson said? If you can make one person breathe easier then you can call that day a success. Maybe I helped some people to breathe easier today.’’
Top Stories
Related Photos
-
Chip Spencer, of Joplin, was inspired to carry the American flag on his daily run, Tuesday, the 11th anniversary of Sept. 11 attack. Globe/Wally Kennedy
Discussion
Joplin residents observe Patriot Day
- Top Stories
-
-
Donations helping JHS music programs rebuild after tornado
Building a repertoire for the Joplin School District’s orchestra program is a challenge for Kylee VanHorn. “Every time I get on the Internet and look at the music sites, there are so many pieces I want to purchase, and I just don’t have the money,” VanHorn said.
-
MSSU board approves settlement agreement with fired president
Bruce Speck, whose contract as president of Missouri Southern State University was terminated last week, will receive the equivalent of a year’s salary as well as housing and health insurance benefits through the end of the year.
-
Former Jasper County official's sentencing slated today in fraud charges
Rita Hunter, former Jasper County public administrator, is to be sentenced today in federal court in Springfield. Hunter, who held office from January 2005 through December 2008, pleaded guilty last November to document fraud, a charge related to illegal obtaining of federal benefits.
-
Defendant chooses not to testify in Miami murder trial
Donna Shirley testified Wednesday that Dustin Boggs had blood all over his hands and clothes when she encountered him in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart store the afternoon Danyel Borden was killed.
-
Pevely woman wins $1M Powerball prize
An eastern Missouri woman is the winner of a $1 million Powerball prize.
-
Proposal would reduce 20th Street to two lanes
A design proposal that would convert much of 20th Street into two lanes instead of four from Main Street to Campbell Parkway to make room for streetscape and green features did not draw much public support on Tuesday.
-
Local runners show support for Boston in cross-country relay
After completing the Boston Marathon on April 15, Ashleigh Beyersdorfer made her way through the throngs of runners to retrieve the bag she had checked in and was on her way to meet up with her family when she heard the explosions.
-
MSSU board to complete terms of president’s departure
The Board of Governors of Missouri Southern State University will meet Wednesday to complete the terms of the agreement that terminated President Bruce Speck’s contract, board Chairwoman Sherry Buchanan said.
-
Bruce Speck to receive equivalent of year’s salary under settlement in MSSU departure
The departing president of Missouri Southern State University, Bruce Speck, will receive the equivalent of a year’s salary as well as housing and health care benefits through the end of the year.
-
Swimmers join worldwide effort to try for world record
A group of youngsters was part of a worldwide attempt Tuesday to set a record for the world’s largest swimming lesson.
- More Top Stories Headlines
-
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
