Harry Korrell's monthly flag-waving routine on Frederick Road over the Baltimore Beltway came off without a hitch Aug. 11.

"I am greatly relieved," said the Catonsville resident, who last month faced a threat of jail for allegedly creating a traffic hazard.

In September, he will complete his seventh year of meeting friends at the Frederick Road overpass on the 11th of each month to honor "the heroes and those who perished Sept. 11, 2001," he said.

His group varies from month to month, with Korrell having participated in all but about two months in seven years.

Last week, he was joined by Woodlawn resident Ken Kondner, former Catonsville resident Eleanor DeMario, who lives now in Westminster, and Korrell's neighbor, Leila Fitch.

"This is nonpartisan, just people," said Korrell, 71, a retired Navy captain who ran unsuccessfully for House of Delegates in 2002.

On July 11, a state police officer had asked him to take his U.S. flag and leave, citing an anonymous complaint that he was standing in the road and creating a traffic hazard, Korrell said.

The officer mentioned the possibility of jail if he refused to leave, Korrell said.

Korrell said he was able to convince police that no hazard existed and remained at the scene, his flag aloft.

But last week, Korrell wondered anxiously whether another anonymous complaint would surface and force him away.

Wearing U.S. flag-themed suspenders with his khaki pants, he set up a stool on the overpass sidewalk, twist-tied a "Remember 9-11" sign on the overpass fence and sat waving his 3-by-5-foot flag from 8:45 until 10:45 a.m.

"The time it took between the first plane hitting and the second tower falling," he said, referring to the planes that crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

Shortly before 10 a.m., June Koontz approached the overpass with her flag.

"I can't get up as early as they do, but I want to do my part," said the Catonsville resident, rushing to join her friends.

Meanwhile, Frederick Road and Beltway motorists waved and tooted their horns to show their support of the patriotic display.

In past years, passersby, including a Baltimore County police officer, have offered refreshments such as coffee and doughnuts.

Several years ago, a county police officer stopped to investigate Korrell and his group as a possible traffic hazard, but left without citing anyone, Korrell said.

"Occasionally, some guy gives you the single-finger salute," Korrell said, describing the only other negative reaction.

More often, a motorist waves and leans on the horn.

"All these beeps and boops are a real morale booster," Korrell said.

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user comments (2)

user sergiovitale says...

Harry Korrell should be applauded for his conspicuous display of patriotism and I commend The Catonsville Times for shining a light on his dedicated efforts. The fact that Korrell was threatened with jail time for “allegedly creating a traffic hazard” is utterly incomprehensible. This retired Navy Captain’s commitment is a poignant reminder that some citizens haven’t forgotten we’re at war--that there’s a cost to our freedom. On the eleventh of every month, a few motorists take a moment to remember and pray for those who have given the last full measure of devotion in defense of the values and principles that underpin our historic founding as a nation. And they do so because of Korrell and his faithful compatriots. Godspeed to them.

Posted 2:18 AM, 08.15.08

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user stevetowson says...

Thank you Mr. Korrell. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for remembering. Thank you for your military service to our Country.

Posted 9:37 PM, 08.15.08

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