I have always felt a sense of patriotism. I was born during World War II, and during my formative years, I felt a strong sense of gratitude for our country.
America had been a major force in the free world’s success in defeating the Axis powers and in confronting the burgeoning threat of communism.
We all said the Pledge of Allegiance every day in school. I proudly marched in holiday parades with Old Glory leading the way. I was not shy about singing our national anthem. My spirits were high.
Displaying the American flag has always been a demonstration of identity and an expression of patriotism. For most of us, the flag symbolizes the promises and hopes of our Founding Fathers; a free country with liberty, justice and opportunity for all. Although America still has many shortcomings, our flag can remind us of the opportunity we Americans have for positive change.
In the current COVID-19 crisis, some people’s spirits have sunk. When I heard about the success of a “flag program” in another state and the spiritual uplift it gave to its communities, I wanted to bring the program to Concord. Bow and Hopkinton are already on board with a similar effort.
The Rotary Club of Concord “Flags Around Concord” initiative starts this summer. Any citizen can have an American flag set up and displayed in their front yard during Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Displaying the “Stars and Stripes” will remind us of those who have sacrificed for our country, and for what our country, at its best, can become.
The work of flag setup and take-down is done by a Rotarian. The money raised by this project will be donated back to the Greater Concord community to various benevolent organizations to enhance Concord’s quality of life.
It is my hope that this effort will help unify our community in these very difficult times.
(Warren Emley is president of the Rotary Club of Concord.)