Where Have All The Flags Gone?
Less than two weeks ago, Americans around the world honored the lives and sacrifices of those lost in the attacks of 9/11. Leading up to 9/11, and the 10th anniversary of the attacks, news stories played day and night reminding us all of the fear, anger, and heartache we felt on that terrible day. The pictures and stories of loved ones lost were as vivid and heart-wrenching then as they were 10 years ago. Everywhere I went, people were explaining what they were doing, and where they were when it happened.
For me, the 10th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 was especially meaningful. Not because of anyone I knew who was directly affected, but because I was asked to take part in an event hosted by the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum and Families of the Shield Inc, called “A Heroes Welcome Home.” I was honored to take part in this concert as a way to honor the sacrifices of those lost.
The night before the concert, I sat in my hotel room, watching channel after channel running shows about the attacks. There were shows that focused on the victims. There were shows that focused on the families of the victims. There were shows dedicated to telling the stories of those who were inside the World Trade Center and helped others escape. But after watching all of these, it was yet another show that touched me most of all. It was one that focused on Patriotism. One that spoke to the heart of what it means to be an American. What it means to be a part of the greatest country in the world, in the face of great danger.
See, if you’re like me, I’m sure you noticed the incredible feeling of togetherness and Patriotism that flowed through every street in America after September 11, 2001. People were coming out of their homes and into their neighborhoods and speaking with people they had been avoiding far too long. I could see people showing that they cared for their fellow men. Perhaps the most visible outward sign of this Patriotism was the massive increase in American flags that appeared. There were new flag poles all over town. On homes, on businesses, and yes, even painted on the sides of buildings and even some vehicles, everywhere you went, you saw American flags. Though I’m not yet 40 years old, in my life I’ve never experienced a rush of Patriotism like that. It was contagious, and everyone was part of it. I have heard those who were alive for WWII describe it as a very similar feeling of Patriotism.
But as time has worn on, years have passed, and brought along war. The feelings of that terrible day 10 years ago have dissipated some, and bitter feelings over war have taken over. As I sat watching these shows, reliving the feelings of the day, one question came into my mind over and over again.
“Where have all the flags gone?”
Look around, you’ll see it. Far too many of us have forgotten about this feeling of immense Patriotism. Far too many have gone about their lives and forgotten what it was like to have a sense of pride in being a part of this great thing, called the United States of America. So, still I ask:
“Where have all the flags gone?”
I live in a small town whose total population is not even 1500. As most small Midwestern towns are, it is a town of very proud, patriotic people. But even here, I have noticed the number of flags being flown is a mere fraction of what it was 10 years ago. I have flown a flag in front of my house almost every day now for the last 10 years, and each year I buy a new one around the 4th of July to replace my worn and tattered one. Why are there so many fewer flags out there? Is it economics? Is it a resentment of the government? I don’t think so. The more I think about it, the more I feel that it is just laziness and a feeling of complacency. WHERE’S THE PRIDE PEOPLE??
If you are mad at the government, for whatever reason, your decision not to fly a flag is the wrong way to look at it. OUR COUNTRY IS BIGGER THAN ANY ONE PERSON OR POLITICAL PARTY! The United States, and what it stands for, is what allows you that right to openly disagree with the government. Fly the flag for that!
It can’t be the money. A purchase of a flag once a year is equal to pennies a day. I am an American. I live in the United States. It is the greatest country in the world. Despite our challenges, despite our differences, we can agree on that. We have so many freedoms in this country that we take for granted; freedoms that others risk their lives to have. We just get them.
This is a no-brainer. We need to come together and make sure we celebrate what this country stands for. Not just when we as a country are struck down, or attacked, but every day. We need to be an example to the rest of the world. If you don’t have a flag up, get one! If you see someone else without one, and can spare another, buy one for a friend or neighbor! I hope that years from now, we will not look back and still be able to ask that question:
“Where have all the flags gone?”
bp