Acts of patriotism
Last Tuesday's terrorist attacks have prompted an outpouring of nationalist sentiment on a scale not seen since World War II. What is the most original or inspiring display of patriotism you've witnessed over the past week?
I was at a local bar on Friday night and there were some people who brought about 70 candles into the bar with them. They passed them out to anyone at the bar who wanted one and at 10:00 p.m. everyone went outside on the deck and lit the candles. The singer that night came out and sang a few patriotic songs. Everyone then sang God Bless America, America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner...it was a very touching moment.
-Joe, Franklin
When Congress sang God Bless America on the steps of the Capital last week. I got the chills.
-Marianne, Boston
I was so proud of my boyfriend, his brother, and their friend who called me last Wednesday morning to tell me they were on their way to NYC to help. I was so proud that they immediately thought of others, and didn't even think twice about themselves, or losing a couple days work. God Bless America.
-Melissa, Pelham, N.H.
Every person who is getting up every day and conducting their life in the wake of this tragedy is a tremendous inspiration to me. I think it is true patriotism to continue to get up in the morning and go to work. I am awed by the courage of all Americans.
-Margaret, Boston
Some friends couldn't find a flag so they painted the entire front of their own house! There was a whole group of people who participated and felt good to do something positive.
-SP, Lexington
Lying in bed on Friday night and hearing the cars out on Route 18 in Weymouth beeping at the people on the side of the road waving flags and holding candles. Seeing the candles on people's front porches and the single white candles in their windows makes me beam with pride to be an American.
-Amy, Weymouth
We have a house at the end of our street where an old man lives by himself. The house needs painting and the windows are broken and you never see this person and its as if no one lives there. The other day I was driving down the street and I noticed on his house a big American flag outside his front door. It made me well up because it just shows how it effected everyone.
-Christine, Arlington
I was amazed to see how many teenagers and early 20 year olds coming out of the woodwork to help those in need. Many of us tend to assume they don't care what is going on around them - WE WERE SADLY MISTAKEN !!! Our High School students arranged a vigil immediately after the attack with a wonderful turn out. I have never been so happy to be "proven wrong". We should all be proud to be raising such wonderful Americans ....I sure am !!
-Stephanie, Reading
Aside from the tremendous outpouring of patriotism with American flags and our nations colors, I heard that during the seventh inning stretch of a baseball game, they sang God Bless America. I hope this continues...we must never forget.
-Gary Andries, Leominster
My 6-year-old son, Nicholas, singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" before bed last night. His first grade class sings the song every morning after the Pledge of Allegiance.
-Julie, Maynard
