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?
Strangely, although not born at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, last Tuesday I watched as all my colleagues gathered around radios at work, pressing closer together to hear about the horror that had and continued to happen - I could only imagine scenes similar to the one I was witnessing being played almost 60 years ago -- the looks of disbelief, pain and horror on our faces, and the unfamiliar, long-dormant feelings of patriotism being rudely stirred.
-K. Peat, Tampa
Seeing and hearing people as far away as CA sending not only their thoughts and prayers, but their hands and hearts to help those in NYC, DC and PA right now. When was the last time America came together like that? Simply amazing.
-Nicole, Bridgewater
I was hiking this past weekend in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and at the top of at 4,902 ft. peak, there was a small American flag waving. On the way down the next day, we passed a man carrying a large 3x4 foot flag over his shoulder. Just shows that no one is trying to get away from last week's events. Instead, everywhere, people are coming together.
-Amy, Somerville
I rode my bike down the street to pay my respects to the family from Groton that perished that horrible day one week ago. My 2 year old daughter asked "Daddy, why did we stop here...?" and as I took in the scene before me, I found myself unable to answer her. There were flowers on the lawn, a candle burning in the wind and several flags posted in the ground. I saw a paper in the box, no lights on in the house and a hammock next to the swing set out back. That's when it really hit me. These people were not coming home. How do you explain that to a 2 year old? I don't have a favorite act of Patriotism, I think that each of us dealing with this tragedy and coming together as a nation is enough for now....
-Andy, Groton
Seeing David Letterman singing emotional praises to the Mayor Giuliani for the heroic way he is conducting New York.
-Johnson, Allston
Proud "intelligent" Americans defending the liberties of fellow Arab Americans from the wrath of ignorance.
-Andrew, Newton
I hope people realize that although this is a terrible, terrible tragedy, we will come up with our flag waving high and proud. America is a blessed country because of the way people have pulled together. Other countries never come to our aid because we always pull together to help each other out. But we need to stop taking our freedoms for granted because people like these terrorists want to take them away. Be proud of America and pull together even when we are not in a crisis. I love America and God has truly blessed us!!!
-April Locklear, Red Springs, N.C.
My heart goes out the heroes and everyone involved in the efforts to recover love-ones and those still missing. You guys are the best. There was a very compelling article (in the Globe) about the family of Mark Bavis. With great sympathy my heart goes out to them as well as many others. The article had chills running down my spine, I was trying very hard to remain composed as I read it. I was almost in tears. I actually got up to go outside to take a quick breath to regain myself. I couldn't possibly imagine their feeling of great loss -- my heart truly goes out to them.
-Wayne New, Montezuma, Ga.
More should be written in the Globe about Capt. Gerald DeConto of Sandwich, who is missing after the attack on the Pentagon. Gerry was a tremendous athlete at Sandwich High School, a great soccer and baseball player, but also a very caring and intellectual person, qualities that got him into the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Gerry also comes from one of the best families in Sandwich, their home a center of activity for so many like myself who grew up in Sandwich. Gerry's friends are heartbroken and their prayers go out to the DeConto family.
-Dan Ring, Milton
On Friday night I was driving down Rte. 1 in Foxboro when I looked to my left and the new stadium. The largest, most vivid rainbow I have ever seen stretched high into the sky. People have been wanting a sign to be sure that God is still here to protect us. After seeing something like that I'm pretty sure He is.
-Stacy, Easton
