The American Flag

Boy pholks, is that flag of ours something, or what?

Whatever cloth or paper or other material our flag is made of, it has to be the strongest thing on this earth.

I've always been an American flag person which, I suppose, is normal for a citizen of a free and brave nation. But, never before has the power of that symbol of American pride and unity been so evident as in the current wake of the infamous Sept. 11 attack.

The vast majority of Americans remain in shock despite efforts to return to some sort of normalcy. And it is the display of our flag which is the symbol of our united effort to keep America and Americans on course.

As a newsman for well over 30 years, I consider myself a trained observer. I see, hear and pay attention to certain things which most pholks often take for granted. Maybe it's just an occupational trait. Maybe it's just that I'm curious. Most probably it's a mix of both.

Anyway, the point is our flag is everywhere. It is impressive. It makes me feel warm and safe despite my personal fears, concerns and uncertainty of what has happened or could happen at any time.

I continue to be impressed by how powerful that American flag is and how it is unabashedly displayed.

In the midst of the tragic events of Sept. 11, the display of the majestic American flag was practically almost immediate. Firemen, policemen, paramedics, and thousands of volunteer rescue and emergency workers, most of whom were covered with dust, blood and tears, found minutes to somehow display their nation's symbol. Time and time again that flag seemed to be the inspiration to keep them going hour after hour after hour in the dangerous and tiring tasks.

The red, white and blue is everywhere we look today. That's great. It gives me goose bumps--the good kind--and at times has left me breathless.

I've seem flags in all kinds of neighborhoods, on all kinds of vehicles and in some displays which I've never before encountered.

It really is cool to drive along a rural roadway and see so many flags. They are on mailboxes, on barns, mobile homes, garages, on farm equipment, windmills, and fence posts among other sites. Big flags, little flags, red, white and blue ribbons.

And how about those bumper stickers and other decals on so many cars, trucks and SUVs.

Paper flags on newsprint provided by local newspapers are proudly displayed in almost every business, home and yard. It is great. It is a sign of the times. It is America.

These are just some of the things which I've seen in the brief five weeks since Sept. 11.

Of course the resumption of major sporting events with their super patriotic displays and themes have been done so much to raise our spirits.

And there have been so many contributions to disaster funds it is almost impossible to comprehend the extend to which we Americans will go to help one another.

But if watching television, going to the mall, going out to dinner, movie, concert of whatever isn't working for you, take an hour of so and just go for a ride. See how many flags you can spot in a hour, two hours or whatever time you can spend.

Gas prices are going down right now. It will be time and a little money well spent.

If that doesn't make you feel better, take two aspirin and call someone in the morning.

The above stories are the property of The Valley Voice Newspaper and may not be reprinted without explicit permission in writing from the publisher.