"Robert Carley''s new book is a salute to America''s great national symbol, our flag. But it is much more than that. It is a reminder to us now when our people seem so divided of how we pulled together after the terrorist attacks of 9-11-01, and how in the twenty years since then the American people''s creative love of our flag has expressed our patriotism, shared values, and unity. Robert''s pictures will strengthen you and give you hope about our future."—Joe Lieberman, U.S. Senator from Connecticut, 1989 - 2013
“Liberated from the Flagpole will inspire and move one to remember those bittersweet times right after the World Trade Towers fell. As Governor of the state of Connecticut at the time I called every family that lost a loved one and shared many personal moments with them. This book documents not just how Connecticut residents but how all Americans kept the faith and persevered. They demonstrated these characteristics using our national symbol, the flag. But not ordinary fabric flags; flags created from unusual materials because traditional flags had sold out. I thank Bob for preserving these pictures of unsung patriots and their flag tributes. This was a time of goodwill and faith, qualities that are in short supply these days."—John G. Rowland, Governor of Connecticut, 1995 to 2004Currently development director for the Prison Fellowship ministry
"In Liberated from the Flagpole, photographer Robert Carley offers us a rich and lush compendium of how diverse Americans have celebrated the national symbol since 9/11, integrating it into their everyday lives as both a reinforcement of identity and a comfort in times of stress. Vivid, striking, distinctive – this is a memorable collection, worthy of both praise and study."—Dr. Scot Guenter, professor emeritus of American studies from San Jose State University,and internationally known vexillologist and scholar of the American flag
