Rufus T. Firefly wrote:MurphOnMillerAve wrote:Rufus T. Firefly wrote:Old Home Week in Palmyra....
Their copious and vibrant, celebratory use of flags , in those days, acquaints me with the impression that folks were very, very patriotic, it appears. It makes me wonder about what has happened since then?
I have yet to understand why waving a flap defines one as patriotic. ... There is a entire code for proper display of the flag...
Maybe patriotism for some is on the inside where it matters the most?
Two replies, with respect:
Regarding your not understanding why waving a flag defines one as patriotic," it is so for some folk because it gives them joy to be proud and to say so publicly, like cheering for a favorite team by screaming in a stadium, or wearing a special logo'd T-shirt or hat, or painting oneself team colors gives happiness. Many people like to be associated publicly with others of like-mind.
Regarding patriotism being on the inside, of course it is . That is where the good feeling starts. For some of us, that satisfaction, inside, is sufficient. For others, joining the Armed Forces is another way of expressing love for one's country and for those in and part of it.
My wife and I have displayed the flag of the United States on our front porch since the day we moved in, because we feel the pride inside of us, of course, and share that conviction with our neighborhood. Its display by us doesn't seem to puzzle anybody.
P.S. And yes, according to the Rules, we take it down when the weather is expected to be inclement, and as often as we can remember to do so, we take it down at might.
When a flag wears out or becomes tattered, I do not discard it in the trash with the garbage. Rather, I give it to a local member of the VFW for proper disposal.
P.P.S. Symbols matter. For example, when I die I have put it in writing and requested it of my wife, that I am to be "marked" with two symbols:
+wearing a crucifix around my neck, on its chain, which I wear every day of my life under my clothing;
+my wedding ring, on my finger.
Those represent two of the several best things that ever happened to me in my entire life, and I want them on me in my grave, marking me, identifying me as a part of something I adored, which for a very long time, made me very, very happy. And grateful.
I hope those explanations afford a perspective of some value, Rufus.
daMurph


