Story of my "Freebird Banner"
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It was about 23 years ago, back in 1987, and I was lucky enough to win tickets to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour Concert, and not being able to see the original Skynyrd lineup before, my anticipati..on and excitement.. was unbelieveable, to finally see and be a part of such a moving and dearly missed talented group of guys and gals, legendary to say the least. The Tour as we all know was great, so moving to me, so emotional... It made me think of all the "Freebirds.." in my life, those friends and family and musical artists that had come and gone, but had also touched and influenced.. my life in many ways, that I had this thought, all inspired by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I thought, why not have a celebration, annually, on October 20th, to honor and remember and reflect upon all the people that I have been blessed to have known, and that, was the birth of my "Freebird Celebration"!
So for 21 years now, on the closest Saturday to the 20th of October, we invite over those friends still with us, to celebrate those individual..s that have influenced.. us all, whether they be musical artists, friends, relatives,.. it doesn't matter, this is a "Tribute" to them!
So we fire up the BBQ, enjoy good food and drink, and yes, we listen to alot of Lynyrd Skynyrd on CD's, DVD's, and VHS.
The idea of making a "banner" came to me a few years ago, I somehow procrastin..ated for over a year before getting serious, that was in 2006, and Deb & I were plnning a trip to see old friends in the Idaho area, the plan was to get together in August at the Blackfoot Idaho State Fair, and enjoy the Lynyrd Skynyrd Concert. But a dear friend had suddenly become ill, and a shock to us all that when he was diagnosed,.. it was a 2 week sentence given to him, So, Deb & I chose to not go to Idaho, but rather be here for our friend. When our friend passed away, the inspiration finally came to me for what the "banner" should be. It "must" be in tribute of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and "Freebird".., so the "Stars & Bars" were the foundation.., the first 2 lines of the song"Freebird" were also a "must", I needed an image of a bird, with its wings outstretchd, but it seemed to be lacking something,.. then I remembered.. what Charlie Daniels had written on the way to Ronnie's funeral, and the last 2 lines were the topper! And that, is the "Story of the Freebird banner".
Deb & I were finally able to replan our get together with Tom(Toolbox), and it was on Toolbox's birthday, in Wendover Neveda, which just happened to be when Skynyrd was playing there. I took my "Freebird Banner", and I was fortunate that Toolbox was able to get the entire Lynyrd Skynyrd Band to autograph it! What a moment! It was important to me that Toolbox knew the history of the banner, and my annual Freebird Celebration, and to my surprise, Toolbox told Deb & I that the "Story of the Freebird Banner" and the Banner itself had touched Gary & Dale and Johhny, and that they wondered if I could duplicate the banner for them! I felt honored, blown away, that me, being a "Simple Man", to use the title of a Skynyrd song, touched those that have touched me so deeply.
I was able to have the banner duplicated.., 4 of them, and left the task of getting them where they belonged to Toolbox, who is friends with the Band. Deb & I were honored to be able to give everyone a "Freebird Banner", and we are so blessed that God has allowed us to cross paths.
So as brother Leon signed an autograph for me, "Rock Suthyn"! And thanks to all, for "Keeping the Faith"!

Great story Mike. Thanks for sharing.

That story gave me chills! What an awesome tribute you made for the band and all those special "Freebirds" that have touched your life. I don't know if you read my profile on the old site or not, but my oldest brother was killed in a farming accident in 1988. He was 24 and I was 17--just starting my senior year in high school. He was the reason that I began my Skynyrd journey. He used to play Skynyrd ALL the time when I was a child so I was well aware of their music. His death was one year after the tribute tour and in his stero was the 1987 Reunion tour CD. My parents gave me his stero. I listened to that whole CD so many times, and I think that is what got me through that almost unbearable experience. I knew every word of it......"Hello Dallas, TX. Again let me tell you who I am. I am Lacy Van Zant......".
I also wanted to mention about something that was made for my brother's funeral. He was a new member of a motorcycle group. They didn't have a lot of $ and they wanted to send something special for my brother. They made the most beautiful eagle out of flowers. I will forever treasure that image in my mind. Also, the group came to the Church before his funeral and my Dad asked them to come inside. They declined, but did accept my Dad's invitation to lead in front of the hearse on the way to the gravesite.

BTW......I sure wish that when Oct. 20th rolls around that I lived close to you. I would just have to "crash" your party!

Both stories are very sobering and invigorating. It's great to see such passion for the band and how the band is an integral part of your lives. It is wonderful.

As Wickey said, thanks for sharing.

@Sweet Home AL Sara: thanks for the kind words! and i will promise you that we'll think of your brother, in fact, what was his name? i'll be sure and do a toast to him as Freebird plays! and you're always welcome anytime, next year i know that zieg and wickey are gonna try and make it. i may be blessed with a very special guest this year, but i'll know as the weekend draws closer, i'll wait till later and let you know who that is, i am just overwhelmed with who that is! keep the faith! and always, "rock suthyn"! "Fly High Proud Bird, You're Free At Last"! mike

@trytotakemygod&guns: thank you for the kind words my "frynd", as SRV said in a song, "if the house is a rockin', don't bother knockin', just come on in!". that goes to anyone in the neighborhood around that time, of all my "skynyrd nation" frynds!

@Wickey: hope to see ya next year! mike

@mcskynyrd: My brother's name was James. His fellow firefighters called him "Cowboy". BTW.....how long of a road trip would it be for me.......Oct. 20th will be here soon. Take care!!

Now this is what the board was made for!!!!!

Personal stories of what Skynyrd Nation means to us...

Great stories Sara & Mcskynyrd!!!!

Great stories. mcskynyrd, do you have a picture of your banner?

@Sweet Mama: yes i do, it's on my profile page, just click on the pic of it and it should enlargen it. keep the faith! and always "rock suthyn"! if you want more, look me up on myspace or facebook, under mike mccarthy.