This Old Glory proudly waves, suspended between an avenue of trees just off the Oakville Crossroad, all year round. I rather enjoy it's constant, cheery presence. However, it is the Star Spangled Banner's constancy here that poses a bit of a problem (not for this particular English person though). The United States Flag Code details very specific etiquette for flying the national flag of the US of A - including requiring that if the Stars and Stripes is flown at night it must be illuminated, and this one isn't. Oops!
Oh well. Happy 236th birthday America!
Oh...and God save the Queen!
11 comments:
Vinogirl, since the code requires that "we' not set the flag on fire, and since some do, my guess is that all patriots I know, will, by contrast, not be bothered; I understand that there are prigs everywhere who'll miss the point; gladly, your not one of them.
You have a "good heart" (from Bottle Shock).
NHW: But when a flag is tattered and torn, isn't one supposed to dispose of the it "in a dignified manner, preferably by burning"? That's a bit different from those who wish to burn it as some sort of protest, I would think.
Form over content is always in conflict; I understand both and have no problem with form when content is there; heart over ritual is my preference, but both is better, it just seems once we've got the outward mastered, the motivation always suffers.
Getting into the nitty-gritty of it here, is probably beyond the scope of my intent, but if the subject interests you, I'd be glad to correspond via E-Mail.
Sincerely,
Dennis
Question: on what date is a nation born?
Is the date when a declaration of independence is signed in ink, or is the date after the independence is signed in blood and then recognized by the ex-parent?
Always wondered why the latter date wasn't celebrated more forcefully. But then, I realized that during the Enlightenment, words mattered.
Marvellous stuff!
And a belated Happy Birthday to the Commonwealth of American States. Is that right? Eh? Oh...
NHW: Thought provoking stuff indeed Dennis.
Thomas: Good question, but July 4th seems to work pretty well don't you think?
Ron: Ssshh...I'm still trying to work, single-handedly, on taking back this particular colony!
Vinogirl,
The date does have a ring to it, and only five days before my birthday.
Thomas: Happy early birthday to you !
4th July was celebrated at RAF Lakenheath (ie the 48th Fighter Wing, USAF) with the usual gusto - a huge fireworks display (past sell-by date munitions?) preceded by a display from five RAF Red Arrows. They couldn't do a Stars-and-Stripes but did smoke-trail a gigantic red heart, which was quite spectacular.
Five Red Arrows was a generous contribution: equal to 50% of our whole defence force.......
Affer: I love RAF Lakenheath. Had my first truly American style burger there when I was about 12...and my first, and last, drink of iced tea (disgusting stuff).
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