COLRAIN — The tremendous sound of clapping, cheering and whistling rang out at the corner of Coombs Hill Road and Greenfield Road on Friday evening as a long-dark symbol of patriotism radiated with light once again.
On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Colrain residents, first responders and town officials gathered to mark the relighting of the historic painted wooden American flag called “Glowing Glory,” which was first built by Ken Shearer and neon artist Pacifico “Tony” Palumbo after the 2001 attacks in remembrance of those who died and the first responders who risked their lives to look for survivors. However, it has not been lit for years due to the costs of electricity and maintaining the structure.
Now, following the formation of the Friends for the Preservation of the Colrain Historic District and the group raising nearly $17,000 through a GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/TheColrain9-11FlagMemorialLightItUP, the memorial is glowing again.
“We first extend our gratitude to [Palumbo] and [Shearer] for creating ‘Glowing Glory’ in November of 2001,” said Robbie Murphy, a member of the Friends for the Preservation of the Colrain Historic District. “Glowing Glory was relit for the 10th anniversary [of 9/11] in 2011, but it’s been dark for over 10 years. … Over 100 people donated time, talent and financial support.”
The restoration effort came together after Amherst resident Pepe Torras approached Colrain Town Administrator Diana Parsons about what could be done to get the flag relit. He passes the flag as he drives up to Mount Snow, where he coaches ski racing.
“Last December, [Parsons] approached our newly-formed nonprofit … to see if we might want to respond to [Torras’] idea of getting the flag relit in time for the 25th anniversary of 9/11,” Murphy said. “Here we are, nine months later, with improved scaffolding, a fresh coat of paint, new neon lighting … and tree removal for an improved sight line.”
Torras, taking to the podium, reflected on the fact that Sept. 11, 2001, started out a lot like Friday, Sept. 11, 2026: “sunny, clear and not a cloud in the sky.”
“I can remember exactly where I was and who I was talking to when the planes hit the World Trade Center just before 9 a.m.,” Torras said. “I will admit to feeling overwhelmed and frightened. Were there more attacks coming? How would the country recover from this terrible tragedy?”
Great bravery was shown that day, Torras said. He mentioned military personnel who pulled colleagues out of the wreckage at the Pentagon, the men and women who gave their lives taking United Airlines Flight 93 back from hijackers, and the New York City police, fire and emergency personnel who ran into the World Trade Center to help — many of whom would not run back out.
“I think it was that combination of tragedy, horror, bravery and selflessness that inspired a rural dairy farmer in Massachusetts (Shearer), to team up with a local artist (Palumbo) to take up a project that would defy fear and uncertainty, and affirm that the courage and selfless sacrifice shown on Sept. 11 would not be forgotten,” Torras said. “That project turned out to be the American flag, standing on that hill above us.”
Before the flag was relit, Colrain Fire Chief Nicholas Anzuoni spoke about the seven bell tolls that attendees were about to hear. Normally, he said, the traditional ceremony would call for six bell tolls. However, in recognition of the prolonged health issues associated with the poor air quality in New York City following 9/11, a seventh bell was tolled in memory of those who lost their lives from related health hazards.
Three renditions of taps were played, with one trumpeter located on the field where the ceremony was taking place, while the other two were closer to the wooden flag on the top of the hill. Shearer and Palumbo then got into a golf cart to drive to the switch that would make the flag glow once again.
Noting that he wouldn’t be able see whether the flag was turned on from where the switch is located, Shearer said that if he heard “a good whoop,” he would know it was on. As he and Palumbo drove the golf cart across the grassy knoll, attendees waited to see the flag with its neon lighting against the darkening sky.
About three minutes later, the flag came to life with neon lights, inspiring clapping, cheering and whistling from the crowd. Palumbo and Shearer drove back in their golf cart and were met with high fives, handshakes and words of appreciation from attendees.
“It’s the most exciting thing I could ever imagine,” Palumbo said. “It’s wonderful to see it lit again.”
