'Enduring Freedom' Continues To Inspire
One of the first trucks to dedicate its artwork to the 9-11 tragedy was a 2002 Peterbilt 379 owned and operated by Donnie and Diane Harper, Somerset, Ky., now operating under lease to Landstar Ranger.
Known as "Enduring Freedom," the truck has become famous and its owners have been witness to the emotional outpouring that occur when people view its commemorative murals.
Their truck was in the process of being painted by noted Ohio artist Jim Shively when the attacks on 9-11 occurred. Without hesitation, the Harpers called the artist and told him to change the theme to memorialize that day.
In 2002 the couple took part in a national "Freedom's Flame" memorial convoy transporting an destroyed FDNY firetruck from New York to California. They continue to take part in annual Freedom Flame convoys, the last one this year over the Fourth of July.
The couple frequently load at military bases, so just about every day brings a patriotic experience. "People [on base] appreciate the truck. When they see it, they get all excited. It makes them feel good," Diane says. "No matter where we go, it's well received. The emotional reaction hasn't changed that much."
One National Guardsman expressed surprise that a civilian would be this patriotic. "Believe me, there are lots of us out there," she told him.
The truck is destined to be part of a book about the many memorials to 9-11, titled "No Greater Love" by Barbara Lang.
Wherever this truck rolls, Americans are deeply touched, not only by the message of the artwork, but by the commitment of these truckers to dedicate their equipment to the memory of this tragic event.
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