I want to thank Endre Barath, Jr. and Mark Don McInnes, for hosting this June Old Glory Challenge. For me, it has provided a measure of healing, and I believe for our Old Glory, a bit of cleansing too.
Prior to the early 1990s, Sacramento was home to three military bases – Two Air Force bases and an Army Depot. Many of my neighbors are retired military. Often in the past, many homes here had flags waving. My own flag, being among them. However, after the January 6th 2021 insurrection at our nation’s Capitol, things changed somewhat. Fewer flags have flown. I admit I’ve been hesitant doing so. In the year and half since that infamous day, there have been times I’ve reached for Old Glory to introduce her to flight. However, horrific images in my head occupied haunting thoughts. Among them, images of Capitol Police Officer Michael Fanone being severely beaten by a rioter with stars, stripes and pole in hand. The beating accompanied by shouts, "Kill him with his own gun."
Although, I have been reluctant to fly Old Glory since that day, I have also felt guilt and a little shame. These feelings emanate from realizing our flag is being hidden away, while doing no wrong. We must not allow those attempting to sully Old Glory’s importance and beauty, with their acts of insurrection. Old Glory belongs to ALL of us - Not an insurrectionist few!
Capitol Police Officers and others lost their lives as a result of the January 6th event - All from those who hijacked a symbol of this country’s greatness, but used instead as banner for misguided mob violence and an attempted coup.
This morning, for the first time after all these months, I took Old Glory off her special shelf, and hung her proudly once again! On the far right of this photo, you will note my neighbor across the street, who also has Old Glory flying high on the flag pole in their front yard!
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