Honor Thy Patriots
This week, I watched as the Lisle-Woodridge (Ill.) Fire District led Rolling Thunder, a group of motorcycle riders, while it escorted the American Veterans Traveling Memorial Wall into my hometown. The traveling wall is a replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is 378 feet long and has 58,245 names listed on it. This includes the names of fallen soldiers from both Gulf wars and the names of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
As the fire department raised its two aerial ladders to form an arch to welcome the Memorial Wall to Main Street, I couldn‘t help but think how fire departments add honor and dignity to their communities.
Honor also was the subject of a forwarded e-mail I received this week. I‘m not sure where the e-mail originated, so I can‘t give credit to the author, but I received it from Mike Petroff, a member of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association‘s Board of Directors.
The e-mail suggested that this Tuesday, Patriot Day, “… an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office and store in the United States.” The reminder to display a flag is a good one. If every school-aged child put a small flag on the lawn of their school, that would make quite a statement. Perhaps every fire truck and ambulance could display an American flag as well.
The e-mail also reminded us that in the days after Sept. 11, the American flag was displayed on vehicles, in windows and in front of houses. Did you ever think Americans would forget the passion and emotions we felt in 2001 after our country was assaulted? The 343 FDNY firefighters who died were heroes, no question. The least we can do is raise the flag on Patriot Day.
We will never forget the Vietnam War and the Gulf wars, for the reminders walk among us daily. But Sept. 11th hit home — we can’t forget.
September 7th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
I agree 100%. After the events of 9/11, there was a swell of patriotism. Now, on my block, I’m the only house still flying the Flag 24×7x365. Even on the official holidays, the number of homes flying the Flag has taken a significant downturn. I think we need to continue to fly the Flag as as a reminder not just for the lives lost on 9/11 but for the lives that continue to be lost in the Persian Gulf REGARDLESS of our political opinion on the war.
Michael Kurent, Assistant Chief
Garden Homes Fire Protection District (IL)
September 7th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
It’s not suprising that people forget the horror and hurt of 9/11. People in the USA can barely remember what happened yesterday.
In my neighborhood I’m probably the only house flying the flag 24/7/365.
It would be a great idea if we all took a moment to say a quick prayer for those who have passed on as well as those brave men & women who are fighting so the average American can be so short minded.
September 7th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
I heard a comment today bemoaning the hype associated with the upcoming anniversary of 9/11/01. I simply advised the complainant that he was fortunate to live in a land that tolerated such lack of partiotism. Despite our Country’s multiple blemishes, we must never forget the painful blood stains as positive examples of the oasis of peace that makes us the envy of most. This includes those stains incurred on 9/11/01, the greatest internal tragedy this Nation has known since the Civil War. May all who have perished in any conflict for freedom, rest in peace.
September 8th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Flags shouldn’t be flown at night!
September 10th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
I remember how polite people became and how considerate during the weeks following 9-11. Now they are back to - well how do you say it nicely. Not everyone forgot, but too many have forgotten. Being an emergency responder is something special and it takes special people to do it, just like those in the military. We need to remember and teach our children what it is to be proud to be one of them and to respect them.
September 14th, 2007 at 11:49 am
I thought flags could be flown at night if properly illuminated.
It is just a sign of respect to raise and lower the flag everyday like it is done on our military bases.
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