I Pledge Allegiance

Some years ago, a friend of ours lost her husband from dementia. He had spent years in a Veterans Administration nursing home. He had served in the military and was a feather-weight championship boxer. He was part of a diminishing group who fought hard, and even sacrificed, for our hard-earned freedoms.

I attended his memorial service, and it was one of the most touching I can recall. His grandchildren were all young adults who spoke eloquently about their relationship with their grandfather.

Particularly impressive was one of the grandkids who had moved back with his siblings into his grandparents’ home after the parents divorced. Now a young adult, he shared how his grandfather would have the young grandkids go out each morning for the raising of the American flag. They stood at attention as the flag moved up the pole, saluted and recited the pledge of allegiance. The experience had a lasting impression on the grandkids.

I respect people’s right to free speech protected under the U.S. Constitution. But every time I see our flag being disparaged, I recall this incident and the impact it had on my friend’s grandkids. It may feel old-fashioned or meaningless, especially when some flag protests feel legitimate.

Keep reminding yourself: Patriotism builds character, no matter how corny it may feel at times.

Robert Parlante

October 2017