KMOV -TV - September 17, 2001

Unusual flag photo inspires local firefighters

Reporter: LISA MANZO

O'Fallon, Mo. (KMOV) -- An unusual photo of the flag is becoming a guiding light for some local firefighters in these dark times. The photo is not your ordinary picture.

These are dark days at the O'Fallon fire protective services. More than 200 fellow firefighters are missing in the rubble of the World Trade Center. Monday afternoon, a glimmer of hope came through the front door.

"This just brings out the best of what's out there, our country and our God," says Karen Lucido of the O'Fallon Fire Protection District.

Photographer Ray Rockwell took a photograph of the American flag during the city's Fourth of July celebration.

"There's no doubt about what it is," Rockwell says.

Rockwell didn't realize he captured what looks like Christ shining down on America.

"It's really eerie considering what happened. Chief called us and told us to come look at a picture. This isn't what I expected to see," Vesely says.

A priest who saw the picture says he doesn't think it is a direct sign from God. But he says there's a message behind this picture and he hopes we focus on the message more than the image.

"It shows no matter what's going on, or how bad things are, there's still a higher power out there looking over for us who are left behind," Jones says.

Rockwell is sharing his photographs as a way to thank the men and women who risk their lives protecting us. He hopes one day they reach the devoted firefighters in New York and around the country.

These firefighters each say a prayer as they leave the station on emergencies. They plan to hang a picture where they can see it on each trip out.

Rockwell plans to give copies of the picture to fire departments and sell copies to others. He wants to donate the profits to help survivors.

To request a copy, you can visit his Web site at http://www.rayrockwell.com.

Or, you can write him at:

Ray Rockwell, PO Box 9, O'Fallon, MO 63366

Send $20 for an 8 X 10.

There are two pictures, just the flag or the flag and fire engines. Specify which version you would like.