Don't worry. He got the message. Some things transcend words.
It irks me to see Singaporeans only patriotically singing the National Anthem on National (Independence) Day. Fleeting patriotism, as I would all it.
But what you described here is different. I think the American flag meant a lot more to you than JJ. Doh-San said the rest.
One of my jobs as grandparent is to transcend the generations and hope that my grandchildren take the "baton" and run with it. I don't think they will learn the deep emotions that go along with national pride at school since most everything has to be "PC" so as not to hurt the feelings of anyone.
I lived down the street from a revolutionary war cemetery when I was a kid and learned a lot about history from just reading the head stones. We took vacations to visit some of the battle sites in the New England area and upstate New York. I came away with a sense of belonging to that history and along with that, a sense of responsibility to live up to the gift of freedom which was won at such a high cost. That is something I can pass along as I have one on one visits with my grandchildren.
That was a wonderfully sweet story. Thank you for sharing your devotion and respect for the flag.
A funny story regarding Memorial Day. We're a Catholic family, meaning no meat on Fridays during Lent.
I have a cousin with Downsyndrome, and this past Monday my aunt asked him if he knew what Memorial Day meant. He responded "No."
My aunt explained to him that Memorial Day was a day where we honor all the brave soldiers who died for our country.
My cousin paused a bit, then asked, "Can we eat meat?"
I just now folded the flag and put it up until the 4th of July when it will once again be displayed promenently.
I'm happy to see Tigersue and Nick dropping by; missed hearing from you of late.
Strong story, TF, strong. Thanks.
David,
I knew I had to write this down the moment the emotions hit me; yes, it's strong.
I display my flag 24/7 365 days a year. It is not exactly kosher by the book and I don't have a light on it but the way I see it the flag flies in darkness and in rain.
It is either that or we only live in a fair weather nation.
Ron,
After 9/11 I had my flag out 24/7 365 too. I then returned to the traditional way of putting it up on holidays and taking it down at sunset. I think I like the extra effort that it takes, something about the ritual increases my appreciation for all that the flag stands for.
Thanks for your comment, it got me to thinking about that year when I kept the flag up around the clock.
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