By G.E.
Shuman
I decided to dedicate my column space
this week to publicly thank Barre City officials for the wonderful flag display
downtown this year. I know the flags are put up every year, but this year they
seem brighter and better, somehow. It is impossible, (at least it is to me,) to
drive up or down Main Street and not be inspired by those beautiful American
flags displayed on nearly every available lamp post and pole the entire way
from City Hall to Maple Street.
There was a time in our country when
every community, small or large, proudly displayed the flag on homes and
businesses at this time of year. From Memorial Day to at least Independence Day
“the red, white and blue” was just everywhere.
Sadly, lately, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Some local
towns have chosen, this year, to highlight other causes on their poles and lamp
posts. That is their absolute right but let
them be aware it is a right procured from the many battles for freedom fought in
allegiance to that flag Barre City proudly shows to the world today.
Patriotism seems to ride the eternal pendulum that also
controls the political world. That pendulum swings back and forth, left to
right over the years. To me this may be a healthy thing as it affords time for
all voices in our country to be heard. I will admit that I am happiest and feel
that our country is ‘healthiest’ and most secure when it swings to the side of
patriotism.
Then there are horrible, terrible, hopefully infrequent times
such as September 11th. 2001, when the flag simply jumps from the
pendulum altogether, and is displayed everywhere, as our entire country unites
behind it. That is when we are truly The United States.
Thank you to those who have lost family members and friends
in defense of our great nation. We can never repay them, or you. Thank you,
Barre City, for proudly displaying the flag under which they fought.
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