NATCHEZ – In a patriotic ceremony Tuesday, the Miss-Lou community dedicated a new American flag for the Mississippi River bridge.

Natchez resident Pam Frank spearheaded the fund-raising to buy the 20 feet by 30 feet flag with the help of the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce.

“(I’ve) got tears in my eyes right now,” Frank said at the end of the program.

Local officials hung the flag at the railroad tracks near the bridge Friday.

Frank also raised enough money to purchase a second flag of the same size and donated it to the Vidalia Women’s Club Tuesday for display on the Vidalia, La., side of the bridge.

During Tuesday’s program, Chamber of Commerce Chairman Sim Mosby said in the hustle and bustle of Christmas it is appropriate to remember those affected by Sept. 11.

It is also important to remember those serving in the military, he said.

“Our thoughts and prayers should be with them continuously (and) perhaps this flag will serve as that reminder,” he said.

Natchez Mayor F.L. “Hank” Smith said the flag demonstrated the community’s feelings of sympathy for the victims of Sept. 11.

“I hope that all that see this flag as they travel will know that this city does have its share of patriotism and its share of those thoughts for those folks,” he said.

Fred Middleton, Chamber of Commerce chairman-elect, read a dedication for the new flag.

“With the tragic events of Sept. 11 on our minds, this is a time of reflection on what we as Americans have lost but also what we have rediscovered,” he said.

Americans have gained a new sense of community, a new love for neighbors and a recommitment to communities, states and country, he said.

Frank said she was brought up patriotic and she thanked God for giving her the idea to raise the money for the flags for Natchez and Vidalia and for Middleton and everyone who assisted with the project.

“I hope and pray that our continued effort to show our patriotism will bring our city’s closer together and (help them) to grow,” she said.

Frank said her next plan is to raise money for a flagpole near the bridge.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the Bridge Flag Fund can do so at Concordia Bank. &160;