The tragedy of September 11th impacted the entire nation in some way. As the tenth year anniversary approaches, a group of men and women from the Honor Guard, and New York Says Thank You Foundation are working to spread a message of hope and freedom.

YNN’s Kate McGowan has more.

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9/11 Survivor and New York City firefighter, Frank Ocello said, “The south tower collapsed on top of us..."

He said it seems like just yesterday. Ocello was working the morning shift for Ladder 24 in Manhattan.

“We were able to get out, dig ourselves out and run from the second one."

Ocello lost seven buddies from his firehouse in the attack.

He said through it all, he's found hope.

“Try and bring the country together and support America, you know?"

A torn and tethered American flag, found in the rubble at the World Trade Center, is inspiring that hope.

New York City firefighter, Jimmy Sands said, “We decided to restore this flag back to its original 50 star, 13 strip format."

Over the past few years, the flag has grown in size.

Members of the New York Says Thank You Foundation have made the flag into 47 separate flags from across the United States stitched together.

“Everyone has taken a part in doing something to pay respect for all those killed on that day,” Sands said.

The flag has traveled across the country to areas that have seen devastation.

During that journey, pieces have been added.

“Letting them see it, and touch it, and hear the story about the flag, so we’re just paying it
Forward,” Sands said.

The National 9/11 Flag made its way to Rochester Saturday and was presented at the Red Wings game.
Many came out to catch a glimpse.

Joyce Cusse from Webster said, “I was fortunate enough to touch it, and to know what all Americans have gone through because of that tragic day."

Ocello said this flag has given him hope. He hopes it does the same for others.

“Coming from where it was destroyed and now it's original again, so it's pretty nice,” he said.

The National 9/11 Memorial Flag is making its way back to Ground Zero.

It will be featured at the World Trade Center site in downtown Manhattan on the 10th anniversary.