Flying the flag

Posted on May 25, 2020 by

It’s Memorial Day here in the US.

This day has always meant different things to different people ranging from remembering those who served in our Armed Forces to the symbol of the start of the summer season and a long three-day weekend.

I could handle those opposing thoughts, but now it seems it has also taken on a political meaning, and the flag is only flown by individuals who follow certain political beliefs.

Politics over the past several years has left me mentally exhausted. I choose normally to not partake in political conversations, but I’m making this one exception.

This flag does not belong to one particular political party or point of view. It belongs to us – we the people.

The flag flies at my home on Memorial Day because I remember and honor my husband, his brothers, my uncles, our friends, and every member of your family who left the comfort of their home to serve in our Armed Forces.

In my opinion, Memorial Day is all about one simple thing – remembering those who sacrificed on our behalf. 🇺🇸

Memorial Day 2020 has taken on additional meaning because of all the front line and essential workers who have sacrificed on our behalf during this invisible war against Covid-19. Thank you to each and every one of you who have worked through this crisis as most of us have sheltered safely in place.

Stay well this week, friends.

About NewEnglandGardenAndThread

Master Gardener who enjoys gardening, quilting, photography, and traveling.
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56 Responses to Flying the flag

  2. Murphy's Law says:
    May 25, 2020 at 7:49 am

    Wonderful tribute to our fallen heroes Judy. Your words say it all.
    🐾Ginger 🐾

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Wandering Dawgs says:
    May 25, 2020 at 8:18 am

    Judy, thank you for this reminder about our flag and Memorial Day. We are proud to fly our flag today and every day.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Kate Crimmins says:
    May 25, 2020 at 8:31 am

    My husband puts out the flag for this weekend and doesn’t take it down until Labor Day. It doesn’t represent any “specialty” group of people. It represents all of us as diverse as we are. Both my brothers were in the service but luckily both avoided war by timing. One brother was in after WWII and the other was in after the Korean War. Most of my contemporaries fought in Viet Nam.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Dan Antion says:
    May 25, 2020 at 8:39 am

    That’s a very good message, Judy. We cannot allow the American Flag to become a standard for anything else other than our freedom and the long line of brave men and women who fought and died to preserve that freedom.

    Stay safe.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Laurie Graves says:
    May 25, 2020 at 9:10 am

    As someone who is left, left of center, there is a lot I could write, but I won’t. But I will write this: fly the flag high.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com says:
    May 25, 2020 at 10:29 am

    A very important message, Judy. It pains me how our flag has been politicized. Those who have died in defense of our country came in all shapes, sizes, colors, beliefs, and political affiliations.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Joyce says:
    May 25, 2020 at 11:00 am

    In the end, we are all AMERICANS regardless of political affiliation. Among us are those who fought wars both past and present, and those who show up today to check out groceries, deliver mail, and tend to those who’ve fallen ill (sometimes as a result of their own arrogance and non-compliance). I agree with you, Judy! Most of us are good, patriotic people. God bless us every one!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Almost Iowa says:
    May 25, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    It is sad how everything has become politicized – but one should focus on what things mean to them rather than others.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Eliza Waters says:
    May 25, 2020 at 12:54 pm

    Hear, hear, Judy, well put. Without the ability to assemble for parades, picnics or holidaying, the true meaning of Memorial Day is able to be observed. Originally Decoration Day, it was to honor and decorate the graves of those who died in war, serving our country. Hopefully, today will see more reflection on that front.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. snakesinthegrass2014 says:
    May 25, 2020 at 1:59 pm

    Beautifully put, Judy. No one has a monopoly on patriotism. Great post.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. sustainabilitea says:
    May 25, 2020 at 2:23 pm

    Hear, hear!! The loss of civility, even in disagreement, saddens and concerns me almost more than anything else these days. You don’t have to believe our country is perfect (no country is) to feel proud to fly the flag and to feel it reflects everyone. Memorial Day, for those who died during war, and Veteran’s Day, for all who fought, are holidays we should feel good about celebrating as they help us remember all who died for our freedoms, even the freedom to be a/an _______________ (fill in the blank with the negative word of your choice.)

    If we forget them, we are truly lost.

    janet

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Eunice Miller says:
    May 25, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    All the males in my family did all they could to serve and show their respect to our nation and its flag. Today was so quiet but calming at the same time. I shut off the news so sick of of all the hatred out there.

    Liked by 1 person

    • NewEnglandGardenAndThread says:
      May 26, 2020 at 6:14 am

      Thank you to your family. I normally limit my news intake, but I find I watch less and less each day. Since this pandemic started, the traffic has been extremely light, but yesterday, it was eerie with so few cars on the road. Strange times. Stay well.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Ally Bean says:
    May 25, 2020 at 3:05 pm

    Memorial Day around here is usually a big deal. Lots of US flags and bunting and fireworks, but this year the celebration is subdued. Partly because of rain, partly because of the pandemic. I’m missing all the hoopla but understand why. Hope your day is respectfully festive.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. pastpeter says:
    May 25, 2020 at 5:20 pm

    Good words, Judy! As new American citizens two years ago, we gladly join another 10 families on our street of retirees to honor the memory of those who fell. Our fathers and grandfathers served in the (British) armed forces in WW I and WWII; one grandfather died, the other limped out of the Somme and carried that wound all his life. My father commanded a Naval vessel that was in Ceylon on its way to the Pacific at the end of WWII. I give thanks for their service, and have often wondered how my childhood would have been shaped by my lost grandfather, a school principal. Let the memories continue and the flags fly high!

    Liked by 1 person

    • NewEnglandGardenAndThread says:
      May 26, 2020 at 6:51 am

      Thank you to your family for service to defend your countries and to your neighborhood for remembering. Isn’t it interesting as an adult to wonder how life would have been different if those lost had been a part of your life. I often wonder about my two young uncles who died in WWII and what things would have been like if they’d married and had children. I like your last sentence. 🙂 Hope you and all of your loved ones are still well and staying safe.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. germac4 says:
    May 25, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    Fly the flag high Judy …I absolutely agree our flags are for those who fought wars for our freedom, and our flag is for everyone.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. NewEnglandGardenAndThread says:
    May 26, 2020 at 6:59 am

    There is something about going past a home that has a flag flying proudly. It just hits a cord with me. Hope you are well and staying safe. Your country is certainly doing better than most in the numbers category of this pandemic, and that is a really good thing.

    Like

  18. circadianreflections says:
    May 26, 2020 at 1:19 pm

    Well said, Judy!! I agree totally.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Oddment says:
    May 27, 2020 at 10:45 am

    I’m late but still my opinions are loud and with you completely. People want to see the flag as a political statement because everyone is itching for a fight these days. Or so it seems to me. Some fights are worth fighting, and many, like your family, have given their lives and limbs exactly because of that. But some fights are contrived.

    It is right to wonder what was lost with those lives in the service. And with all the lives lost, especially in service to others.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. the eternal traveller says:
    May 27, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    This is a great reminder that these sort of days are about remembrance and acknowledgement, not having a barbecue on a long weekend. Thank you to the members of your family who have served.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Karen says:
    May 30, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    We had a neighbor (who was a veteran) who passed away two days before Memorial Day. He had already put up his flag on his home. When neighbors learned of his passing, the area around his mailbox was filled with small American flags. It was a lovely tribute that I know he would have loved.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Nancy says:
    May 31, 2020 at 7:45 pm

    I agree with your thoughts. “Mentally exhausting.”
    And the Red White and Blue belongs to us.
    We fly it everyday.
    Sorry I am late to comment but you are not showing up in my reader. I had to manually come to you. So… now I signed up to get an email when you post! Hope that helps!
    Happy Gardening to you!

    Liked by 1 person

    • NewEnglandGardenAndThread says:
      June 1, 2020 at 5:55 am

      I was mentally exhausted by the virus, but now when you add the violence around the country, it moves into a new category, and it makes me so sad. Stay well whether you are in AZ or PA for June. It looked like you definitely had fun with your kayak. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Marilyn Armstrong says:
    June 1, 2020 at 2:40 am

    Mentally exhausting.” is indeed how I would describe me too. I can’t believe I’m still functioning.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. bettylouise31 says:
    June 1, 2020 at 9:47 am

    To me, it means the time to remember and honor our ancestors. Since the 1950s it has been used to honor our veterans. The first time I am ashamed of my country.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. NewEnglandGardenAndThread says:
    June 1, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    Current events are trying everyone’s thoughts about our country and our fellow citizens. Tough times. I hope we live to see better times.

    Like

  26. Michael @ Michael's Woodcraft says:
    June 7, 2020 at 9:45 am

    Good morning Judy,
    Love this post, we all need to remember those that have given their lives to protect us. We are proud to fly our flag today and every day.

    Michael
    http://www.MichaelsWoodcrafts.com

    Liked by 1 person

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