So, like I told ya I live in the bosum of suburban US of A. Yesterday, I am cruising around the lawn on my ride on tractor and I realise that ours is the only house that has the US Flag hanging on it for as far down the block in three directions (we live on a corner) as I can see.
I'm not the biggest patriot on the planet by any means, but this struck me as incredibly sad. You see, this neighborhood is the American Dream that billions all over the WORLD would want to have.
- Quiet tree lined streets. Gorgeous well maintained houses with beautiful lawns and gardens.
- Low crime rates.
- Close to the interstates for commuting but far from the noise and dirt and crowding of lesser suburbs of the city. Lots of strong employers in the immediate community and nearby cities.
- Great schools, great parks, nice people as neighbors.
And so many more nice things. Wisteria Lane, eat your heart out.
This is what so many 10's (100s?) of thousands of American Men and Women fought for in battles near and far. The American Dream. And we can't even put out a flag to solute their gifts to us that let us have that dream.
Even today, our military are in harms way and come home in "containers" to Dover Air Base lifeless and cold. No matter what your opinion is about those wars, any of them back to the Revolution in the 1700's, people who stand up and answer their country's call and pay the ultimate sacrifice should always be rememembered. And not just with a really good back yard barbeque. We owe that to them and to their families who every day lose sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, uncles and aunts.
Flags - not a big deal or lots of work. If you appreciate your freedoms, your home, your neighbors and especially those who protect our country, then fly one please on Memorial Day and any other Federal Holiday.
You know what's really sad, is that the display of the flag now is a sign of the Tea Party. Not right or good. It's sad that people are feeling self-conscious about the national symbol that's supposed to represent all of us. Argh...
ReplyDeleteNow I confess - I have no idea where our flag went since the move. The only one I have that I can find is folded up with dad's urn.
Maybe next year...
A sign of the Tea Party? No, I don't think they have co-opted our national flag. It certainly isn't what I think of when I see one!
ReplyDeleteMy dad said that only Republicans fly flags... I had to differ. The people that fly the flags the most in our neighborhood are the little pocket of three democrats right here on our corner. (and my one republican friend up over the hill to be fair). Maybe I just surround myself with patriots-regardless of party. PS- my brother-in-law has his out every day.. couldn't get much more liberal.
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