A Tattered Welcome
Taking photos for Bert Dunkerly’s To the Bitter End, I snagged this one on the way into Appomattox Court House. The photo appears as a double-page spread near the beginning of the book, but it’s black and white, so I thought this was a good opportunity to share it in color.
The county adopted the slogan “Where the Nation Reunited” years ago, but I thought the tattered flag that flies over the welcome sign serves as a fitting metaphor for the strains America has experienced because of the work that yet remains unfinished 150 years later.
Well frankly, as a retired Marine and veteran of two wars, I have a real problem with folks who declare themselves “patriotic” yet fly tattered and/or dirty flags, let alone a county. Take it down, replace it, and take the flag no longer fit to be displayed to the VFW and/or the local Boy Scout troops for proper destruction. Good photo, however.
I agree, Charles: if the idea of flying a flag is to show your patriotism, then give the flag its due and do it justice. Glad you liked the pic, though!
You tell’em Marine! Always respect the flag. SEMPER FI
Oorah!
You should see the reaction you get if you say anything – always politely – to folks with these unserviceable flags – especially car dealers, McDonald’s, etc. They act as though YOU’RE the one with the problem because you saw fit to speak up. You’re a curmudgeon.