MONROE — The Marshville parade was Saturday 21 November and the day after (Sunday) was Monroe‘s parade! There were a large number of floats and spectators. There were a lot of creativity designing, making and preparation was put into this parade! Marshville’s parade was very good! Monroe’s parade was excellent!

I’m making comments on Monroe’s parade simply because this time I was a spectator and I saw from the front all the great floats, trucks, tractors, and etc. These parades seem to be getting bigger and bigger each year. More the merrier!

In all the parades I am still disappointed! The American flag comes by these spectators and people still sitting, standing and moving around. At several parades last year, I saw wheelchair people trying to stand and some were assisted by others so he /she could stand! It bothers me that these people who are NOT handicapped and still do not know the American etiquettes of NOT standing, NOT being still, NOT being quiet and not placing the hand over their heart. What is the matter people, where is your patriotism? Do you think freedom is free? It is definitely not! Ask some parents, brother or sisters when one of their family members did not come home! These veterans have given too much to be seeing this type of behavior!

Also when you see the black flag with “POW/MIA” (Prisoners of War/Missing on Action) on it you should be thankful it is NOT one of your family members! These veterans that are missing, there is a lot of unanswered questions as to whether they are alive, dead and NOT knowing where their family member is? Take the time to say a short prayer for their sacrifices that were for you! NO, Say a couple more words for troops

And wish them a safe journey home.

Here is the definition of patriotism and the American flag etiquettes;Patriotism from Wikipedia, the onlnine encyclopedia:

Patriotism is love of and/or devotion to one’s country. The word comes from the Greek patris, meaning fatherland. However, patriotism has had different meanings over time, and its meaning is highly dependent upon context, geography, and philosophy.

Although patriotism is used in certain vernaculars as a synonym for nationalism, nationalism is not necessarily considered an inherent part of patriotism. Among the ancient Greeks, patriotism consisted of notions concerning language, religious traditions, ethics, law, and devotion to the common good, rather than pure identification with a nation-state. Scholar J. Peter Euben writes that for the Greek philosopher Socrates, “Patriotism does not require one to agree with everything that his country does and would actually promote analytical questioning in a quest to make the country the best it possibly can be.”

A country’s flag may be used as a strong symbol of patriotism, for example, the flag of the United States. During the 18th century Age of Enlightenment, the notion of patriotism continued to be separate from the notion of nationalism. Instead, patriotism was defined as devotion to humanity and beneficence. For example, providing charity, criticizing slavery, and denouncing excessive penal laws were all considered patriotic. In both ancient and modern visions of patriotism, individual responsibility to fellow citizens is an inherent component of patriotism.

Many contemporary notions of patriotism are influenced by 19th century ideas about nationalism. During the 19th century, “being patriotic” became increasingly conflated with nationalism, and even jingoism. However, some notions of contemporary patriotism reject nationalism in favor of a more classic version of the idea of patriotism which includes social responsibility.

The American flag etiquettes (short history):

The flags are symbolical representation of respective countries. Usually flags are made of fabric and are generally flown from a pole or mast. Every nation has its own flag and one can witness the colorful world of these flags in Geneva, at U.N. building. The flags are considered an embodiment of a nation’s aspirations. Section 8 of American Constitution urges the nation not to disrespect the flag and further its subclause 8J describes flag as a living thing and a representation of a living country.

The day is remembered for veterans who served the flag and even sacrificed their lives for honor of their flags. Some of the etiquettes to be observed while hoisting the American flag are;

The flags should be hoisted from sunrise to sunset especially on national holidays.

Keep it in the center and at highest point when in a group of flags

When flag is raise or lowered or it passes by you in a parade, stand at attention facing the flag and keeping your right hand on your heart being a non-uniformed person. Remove your hat if you wear one.

American flag with 13 alternative red and white horizontal stripes and 50 stars representing the 50 states in the union is a source of national pride and honor. So it must not be disrespected. Not only the American flag but flags of all nations be shown due respect because as Section 8 explains flag represents a living country and is considered a living thing.

Parades and review (Large print for those have trouble seeing!):

The flag should be in front of the marchers. At the moment the flag passes in a parade or procession, all persons should show respect by standing at attention facing the flag with their right hand over their hearts. Military personnel or veterans should face the flag and render their formal salute. During a parade it is appropriate to salute only the first U.S. flag. When other flags are included, the United States flag should be centered in front of the others or carried to their right

(Bold print is what is expected of all citizens.)

Are we veterans asking too much of you to stand when the American flag is approaching? We veterans have given too much to see this behavior and disrespect! We were proud to serve regardless to what some may believe!