BEECH GROVE, Ind. – Under a sun-splashed sky, a hushed crowd of St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers employees gathered around the flagpole near the hospital’s main entrance and watched Old Glory hoisted into the gentle morning breeze.They were the there to commemorate the tragic events that unfolded eight years ago on Sept. 11 in New York City, the Pentagon and a remote Pennsylvania field. In the wake of the terrorist attacks, nearly 3,000 Americans lay dead.
“I don’t think there is a person here today who does not remember where he or she was that morning,” said Sister Marlene Shapley, vice president of mission services. “We were changed that day. This flag reminds of us of the price our nation pays for defending freedom.”
Indeed, the flag does have special meaning for St. Francis. It most recently flew over Camp Liberty and the Indianapolis-based 55th Medical Company in Iraq. Last month, a member of that unit, Army Staff Sgt. Andrea Cowden, presented the national colors to the hospital while home on leave from her tour of duty as gesture of thanks.
She is the daughter of St. Francis registered dietitian Kathleen Cowden, who along with Senior Promise Director Jim Poole, organized the collection of more than 200 DVD movies for the Army unit.
The flag will also be raised at St. Francis hospitals in Indianapolis and Mooresville at a later date.
After being led in prayer by Chaplain Jim Wetzel, the employees sang the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Many held their hands over the hearts; some saluted. A few wiped away tears.
As the flag was raised to the top, a distant airliner sketched a white contrail against the sky. And a few moments later, the colors were lowered to half staff in remembrance.
As the flag was raised to the top, a distant airliner sketched a white contrail against the sky. And a few moments later, the colors were lowered to half staff in remembrance. 
