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NewsSeptember 11, 2019

Scenes of the Avenue of Flags assembly for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau. Retired Navy Capt. David Cantrell, chairman of the Avenue of Flags, said this was the first time he has been able to be present for the assembly since the June motorcycle accident from which he lost a portion of his left leg. “Seeing what everybody did in my absence … it gave me a lot of hope and courage and inspiration when I was at some pretty low points,” Cantrell said. A First Responders Appreciation BBQ is scheduled for 3 p.m. to dusk today at Cape Girardeau County Park North. Cantrell is one of the BBQ's organizers.

A helper is silhouetted through an American flag while assembling the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
A helper is silhouetted through an American flag while assembling the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Retired Navy Capt. David Cantrell watches as people place flags in the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Retired Navy Capt. David Cantrell watches as people place flags in the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Retired Navy Capt. David Cantrell, right, bows his head during a prayer with other members of a crowd gathered to place flags for the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Retired Navy Capt. David Cantrell, right, bows his head during a prayer with other members of a crowd gathered to place flags for the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Cory Demyan of Cape Girardeau carries a flag as the Avenue of Flags is assembled for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Cory Demyan of Cape Girardeau carries a flag as the Avenue of Flags is assembled for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
People assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
People assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Justin Collins of Salem, Illinois, front center, carries an American flag while helping assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Justin Collins of Salem, Illinois, front center, carries an American flag while helping assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Mitchell Hooker places an American flag while helping assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Mitchell Hooker places an American flag while helping assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
People help assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
People help assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Blake McDaniel, 17, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, carries an American flag while helping assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
Blake McDaniel, 17, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, carries an American flag while helping assemble the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
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Scenes of the Avenue of Flags assembly for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau. Retired Navy Capt. David Cantrell, chairman of the Avenue of Flags, said this was the first time he has been able to be present for the assembly since the June motorcycle accident from which he lost a portion of his left leg. “Seeing what everybody did in my absence … it gave me a lot of hope and courage and inspiration when I was at some pretty low points,” Cantrell said. A First Responders Appreciation BBQ is scheduled for 3 p.m. to dusk today at Cape Girardeau County Park North. Cantrell is one of the BBQ's organizers.

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