Two days a year, I get up in the morning and hang an American flag on our front porch: Memorial Day and July 4th. On July 4, I also take some time to read the Declaration of Independence and at least some of the Constitution.
This year, I put the flag out on Memorial Day like I always do. It’s the least I can do to honor those who have fallen while serving our country.
I’m not sure what to do about July 4th. For me, July 4th has never been about the military, or supporting any current policies. It’s always been about the birth of the U.S., standing up to tyranny, and doing what is right.
This year, the President seems hell-bent on making the 4th all about displaying the flag to support his policies (and the military, but I’m sure that’s a distant second for him). From his weekly radio address (edited a bit):
….Some of America’s finest men and women have given their lives in the war on terror, and we remember them on Independence Day…And we know that the best way to honor the lives that have been given in this struggle is to complete the mission, so we will stay in the fight until the fight is won.
In this time of testing, all our troops and their families can know that the American people are behind them. On this Fourth of July weekend, I ask every American to find a way to thank men and women defending our freedom — by flying the flag, sending letters to our troops in the field, and helping the military family down the street.
I can’t even describe how much his words offend me. It’s shameful that the President of the United States doesn’t seem to understand what July 4th is all about. It’s not about supporting his asinine policies. It’s not about the military. It’s not about forcibly “freeing” people in other countries from tyranny, only to turn their country into a battleground. It’s about the birth of this country and the ideals it stands for. It’s about people who felt so strongly about the need for Independence that they risked death by declaring their freedom.
So, what to do? I debated not hanging the flag, but it’s my flag too, and I don’t want some moron trying to change the meaning of July 4th. I debated hanging it upside-down, but that seems disrespectful somehow. Finally, I decided that a two-part display might be appropriate this year: the flag, plus a poster board with some pithy message about the true meaning of July 4th. The problem is: what should the message be? I’m obviously not inclined to brevity, so I could use some suggestions.