Flag Day

Yuppers, today is Flag Day and around town you will see the Stars and Stripes proudly displayed as local citizens get into the patriotic spirit. I love flags so this is one of my favorite days, just wished more people would fly a diversity of flags such as the Don't Tread on Me flag, or the Betsy Ross flag, or my personal favorite, the Bonnie Blue flag. Hey, if I had a yard to fly one from, I'd be there!

Flags are great reminders of the history of conflict and war. They tickle our memories of soldiers long gone who died fighting for our freedom. Their presence nudges us in the direction of realizing everything comes at a great cost whether it be freedom of speech, taxation with representation, freedom of religion, or the right to own and bear arms. Unfortunately they are taken for granted, abused even, and left to rot in the elements.

I get ticked off whenever I see a frayed flag flapping in the wind. Torn and shredded by the elements, sometimes even soiled from dust storms, these flags appear to be calling out to passers by for a dignified removal/disposal, a task any American Legion will perform. Even more irritating is the flying of the Texas flag upside down. White on top people, white on top! As a lady once put it, your bandage (white) goes on top of the wound (red).

So today fly those flags proudly. Treat them with respect, keep them clean, and please, keep them out of the weather. I know it is just a piece of cloth, but it is a piece of cloth representing legions of sacrifices offered at the altar of freedom, stained with American blood.