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?
Over the past week the most inspiring display of patriotism I have seen is everywhere I look...No matter where I am I can look out any window and see the American flag hanging so proud. God Bless America and all who Stand United in this war against terrorism...
-Michelle Batista, Norton
I spent the weekend searching for flags
to attach to the antenna of my car and
to my wife's car. Sunday afternoon I
saw a man putting his flags on his
vehicle so I stopped and asked him
he bought them. When I was told it was
Acton and they were already sold out
he must of saw the expression on my face
and offered one of his flags.
I asked him how much I owed him and he
said he didn't want anything and that
we're all in this together under one
nation. May God Bless America
-George, Billerica
First, the number of flags flying in our home town. It is beyond any Patriots Day I have ever seen. Second, the little boy from our neighborhood that brought a candle to our door and presented it to my wife and said, "This is for hope..."
-Glenn, North Andover
Without a doubt, the most inspiring display of patriotism is the hanging and raising of the stars and stripes over the edge of the Pentagon and at the WTC site by the rescuers and firefighters, front and center, hoping against hope to find survivors.
-Carol, Sudbury
There has been only one act of active patriotism, that of the lucidity of the three passengers on the flight over Pennsylvania who took control from the highjackers. Their action prevented the attack on the US from becoming so horrid as to push us over the edge. Without their courage, the damage to our nation's capitol would have been so great that we would have been hard pressed to muster the strength we have shown. Try to imagine what we would have done had we lost most of our elected representatives in one blow.
-David Rittenhouse, Ft. Lauderdale
The most inspiring moment of patriotism that i have seen within the past week is my grandmother. My grandmother who came to the USA 28 years for the opportunity to better her life. She came out last week with her lit white candle and her American flag in hand to support those who died and for a country that she never regard coming to.
-VW, Dorchester
I am a true Bostonite who now lives in Manhattan Beach, CA. Friday night there was a candlelight vigil on the beach- the people there built a 50 foot long American flag in the sand with colored sheets...and the stars were bright white paper bags with lit candles in them. The "stars" burned through the night as people sat quietly and just watched...
-Mike Fiore, Los Angeles
I think it is great that everyone has pulled together at this time. Seeing everyone with flags and candles and praying. I had cried over seeing this. I feel so sad that this has happened. My heart goes out to all the families affected by this. Just seeing the flag on all the houses and cars. People beeping their car horns at each other and yelling God Bless America. Seeing all the people helping in New York and how everyone has either donated money, blood, food, and clothing. Seeing government officials and religious officials get together to support us during this trying time. I really think that it is a good idea to bring the flag and prayer back into the school system. Our children need to learn about being a patriot. Just like when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s.
-Carol McIntyre, Rehoboth
I saw a firefighter (I believe on a cable news channel) tearfully showing aluminum foil packages from sandwiches delivered to the rescue workers by grade school children. These kids made the sandwiches and decorated the packages with notes of thanks and encouragement to their "heroes." A very touching and thoughtful act that must have overwhelmed the recipients.
-Michelle, Boston
In Revere, MA, from the rotary all the way to Kelly's restaurant people lined hundreds of brown sandwich bags filled with tea light candles. It was the most amazing sight I've ever seen. I drove by at dusk (twice), with tears in my eyes, listening to the radio play a new mix of music and words reflecting this disaster. It was an overwhelming feeling. An absolute show of patriotism. The candles of America will burn forever. God Bless Us All!!
-Crystal, Medford
