Riding with flags and pride in America

On the 18th anniversary of America’s Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, two Crescent City residents took to horseback, flying their American flags and patriotic pride.

Julianne Logefeil and Cheri Phillips, riding their horses Magnum and Peaches, drew shouts, cheers and honks of encouragement from passing motorists as they rode from Arnett Street, along Northcrest Avenue, toward U.S. Highway 101 and on down to the beach.

Logefeil, a member of the Crescent City Diamonds ‘N’ Dust equestrian drill team, has been memorializing 9/11 for the past five years. “It’s a way for me to do something without coming across as celebrating it,” she said.

Dressed in red, white and blue, Phillips rode with her friend for the first time. “There was so much unity after the tragedy that everyone stuck together, and we’ve kind of lost that,” she said. “So, I think riding down the street, people look at us and remember and they appreciate it.”

Added Phillips: “That morning is vivid in my memory. I remember exactly what was going on. Watching it on TV, getting angry at a common enemy.

“Everybody was hugging each other. New Yorkers were looking at each other. Everybody was appreciating the first-responders. I was in such awe.

“I can’t believe it’s been 18 years. That’s a lifetime, almost. I could have an adult child.

“It feels good to do this.”