On September 11, 2001, our lives changed forever.

Thousands of people died that day as four airplanes were hijacked and used as weapons in what has become one of the greatest tragedies in American history.

Attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 thrust our country into a war that has since claimed the lives of countless servicemen and women. 19 years after that fateful day, it has truly become an event that we will never forget.

With patriotism and military support at the heart of who Window World is as a company, we formed a partnership with Team Red, White & Blue, one of the nation’s largest post-9/11 veteran-based organizations. Together, we presented a special 9/11 Moving Tribute on the 19th anniversary of the attacks to remember all those lost during that day and in the wars and conflicts that followed.

Window World and Team RWB join forces

The partnership between Window World and Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) was a natural fit. With a mission statement “to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity,” Team RWB is devoted to helping all veterans find their place in the community so they may reclaim the sense of belonging that they cherished from the military.

Window World is also dedicated to supporting its vets through the Window World Military Initiative. In July of this year, the company partnered with Team RWB to help serve America’s veterans, active military, and military families.

Soon after the partnership was announced, Window World and Team RWB started working on plans to present this year’s 9/11 Moving Tribute across the country with the help of numerous Window World stores and Team RWB chapters.

The 9/11 Moving Tribute

For many of Team RWB’s members, September 11 defined their military service or was the reason they chose to enlist. It was an unforgettable day for all Americans, and that’s why Team RWB decided to create a special tribute event.

The Moving Tribute consists of communities across the nation moving an American flag a cumulative 8,426 miles to show their support for the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day and the 5,449 service members killed in action in the wars following. The idea is for vets and supporters to join together to share stories and remember loved ones while marching with an American flag in their grasp.

It starts at home

This year, Window World, Inc. was happy to host a tribute in its hometown of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and throughout numerous communities around the country at locally owned Window World stores.

At the corporate office, Window World was joined by the local police and fire departments, the honor guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a local group of Harley Davidson riders to kick off the day with a special remembrance ceremony.

During the ceremony, Window World Chairman and CEO Tammy Whitworth led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, a bell was rung four times to signify each of the planes that crashed on the morning of September 11. Finally, a local high school senior played “Taps” and sang the national anthem before volunteers got into position for a 9.11-mile walk/run around the community.

Window World employees, community members, friends, and family alike joined in for the walk that started at the corporate office and finished in downtown Wilkesboro. Meanwhile, in communities around the country, Window World stores were kicking off their 9/11 Moving Tributes, with virtual and in-person events.

All hands on deck

In Wisconsin, local owner and veteran Jared Heinz joined the rest of his Window World of La Crosse team to walk two miles with the flag. Jared served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 2008 to 2012, deploying to Iraq in 2009 for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In Ohio, the Moran family, owners of multiple locations in the area, assembled their “troops” and walked .911-mile through the town. Each and every participant carried a flag in hand.

In New York, staff members from Window World of Long Island were joined by a local Team RWB chapter for a moving tribute that took place throughout the island before finishing in Northport Village.

Overall, 23 Window World franchises and their teams took part in this year’s 9/11 Moving Tribute. Some pledged their miles virtually, while others held in-person events with dedications, wreath presentations, and flag salutes.

A commitment to serve 365 days a year

In addition to Window World’s involvement with partners like Team Red, White & Blue, the company also supports the Veterans Airlift Command (VAC) and the All Veteran Group (AVG). 

With the VAC, Window World transports wounded warriors and their families around the country for medical and other compassionate purposes. The AVG represents Window World’s relationship with the veteran community through parachute demonstrations, sponsorship programs, and special events.

For more information on Window World’s support for the military and America’s veteran communities, check out the Window World Military Initiative.