Article published September 06, 2009
Every day should be Flag Day
Twitter, Facebook, YouTube. Am I missing a good time online for lack of interest in the hot new electronic chatter and blogging choices? Wading through a long list of e-mails is time-consuming enough, and often more boring than informative.
But, having tweaked — not twittered — one e-mail message from the 223 I browsed through after a 10-day sabbatical from all things computer, I am more receptive to messages from strangers, especially those with a Buckeye Express local connection.
You could say I am all a-twitter because the e-mail with the subject line “for 9/11” zeroed in on one of my favorite subjects.
Patriotism to the United States of America is such a warm, comforting, and easy pledge to keep, but must we circle Sept. 11 each year to show it?
Granted, the tragedies that killed thousands of people eight years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, are remembered with deep sadness and reverence for the people who were killed and for their surviving families and loved ones. We should not let the memorable date be just another Friday and the beginning of a weekend.
It is certainly timely to display the flag and wear our lapel pins that day, in accordance with the e-mail instructions.
The message was sent by Barb Padgett, who identifies herself as a fan of this column and says the 9/11 message is probably making the rounds on the Web. She received it from a friend and forwarded it to me thinking I would be interested. She was absolutely right. I have printed copies to distribute to friends without computers. There are still some out there, you know.
The e-mail reads: “On Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country’s worst tragedies.
“In the days, weeks, and months following 9/11 our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder to shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn’t take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.”
Well said, but as a lifetime flag-waver, I ask: what about the other 364 days in the year? In deference to the statement in the message that “those flags have all but disappeared,” I agree, though I take personal issue.
I turn on to all things red, white, and blue, and even to those things with a slight patriotic motif. I have been criticized for overdoing it, but I hope to inspire others by keeping my little corner of the United States all decked out to salute America year-round.
In April during the annual birdhouse hanging project at the Farm House I bought three red, white, and blue birdhouses and hired a carpenter to secure them on high posts, not just for the birds to nest high, but for passersby to see as well. The flowers in this setting by the white fence were a given: red, white, and blue petunias. More flag-themed houses are in the grass garden near the lake for boaters to see. The five patriotic houses have been occupied all summer and I know the birds got the message. At twilight if you listen closely you can hear them chirping and I swear it’s “God Bless America.”
A lighted flag in the sunporch window is one of several flags and wall plaques that just make me feel good. My home office is still all-American. A change in decor is overdue, but the stars and stripes are joyful every day in every month.
There is still controversy whether Betsy Ross or another Philadelphia upholsterer made the first flag and even in which Philadelphia house she lived. But in 2009, 233 years later, who cares? Americans have more important things to think about and one should be to show our pride in a great country each day. Hang your flags high.
Mary Alice Powell is a retired Blade food editor.
Contact her at: mpowell@theblade.com.
Permanent Link
|
|
 |
|
Search
advertisement
