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?
One of the most patriotic and inspiring things I have witnessed was last night when Dan Rather cried on David Letterman. I cannot imagine the burden of reporting on endless tragedies, all the while remaining stoic and rigid, because that is how professionalism is viewed in the media. Well, I must say that David Letterman put it best, "Dan, I know that you are a professional, but gosh damn it, you're a human being too."
-Trevor, Medford
I have heard a lot lately about increased police presence at airports and such to increase safety during flights. I feel that the only true way to increase safety in an airplane is to put the pilot and co-pilot behind a BULLET-PROOF door. If the airline industry did this we would never have to worry about hijackers ever getting control of a plane again.
-Michael D'Ambrosio
Seeing the hundreds of people holding candles Friday evening in Woburn center was very moving to me. But what was even more moving and special to me has been the actions of my 8 year old daughter Melissa. Melissa made a collection box for donations. She decorated it with hearts and wrote the message "donations for the New York City families" on the box. Melissa started this on Sunday afternoon. She stood on the sidewalk, outside our house on a quiet side street, waving to cars and asking for donations. She is such a sweet sincere person. After a few hours she told me that she was done and wanted to bring the donations over to our parish. We walked over to the church rectory. Before we dropped off the box, she asked if we could count the money. I hesitated a bit and told her that the amount really didn't matter, that it was her actions that mattered. She asked again and I reluctantly agreed. We sat down on the steps of the rectory and I opened the box. Expecting maybe $10, I was taken aback by the contents of the box. I said "wow, you have collected quite a bit of money here". We counted the bills and coins totaling $66.54 cents. Mind you again, we live on a side street that is very quiet on a Sunday. I was impressed and very proud of her and her caring donors. She handed over the donations to Brian, who had been handling the donations for the parish. She asked him, with a serious and concerned tone, "this money is going to get to the families in New York right?" Brian gave her a confident and promising "yes". Melissa smiled and said "good". Melissa is a caring person and we are all blessed that she is an American. And being the American that she is, an American with purpose and determination, she was back outside our home Monday after school. Melissa collected another $14.15 cents. I am so proud of her and I hope that all who read this are proud of her too.
-Douglas Bolduc Jr., Woburn
As a Briton living here in the US, I drove down to Connecticut on the I95 at the weekend and had a lump in my throat most of the way at the number of Stars & Stripes flags draped over the bridges and walkways, this could truly be the start of a bringing together of the people of this great nation.
-Ian Courtney, Norwood
I went to Home Depot to buy some masks and gloves to send down to NYC but when I got there, the shelves were completely empty ... it was so great to know that others are doing whatever they can.
-Grace, Brighton
There were so many. The massive display of flags on cars, houses, etc. But one display that moved me was while driving Rt 3 this past weekend- draped over each overpass were flags and home-made spray-painted signs with "God Bless America". It is an amazing sight. I wish more people would display the colors.
-Paul, Beverly
The owners of Mama Gaia's Cafe in Central Square, who have provided a gathering spot and have given the community a place to express their hopes, fears and patriotism through a wall of art.
-Katie, Jamaica Plain
I think our President has risen to the occasion and has given all Americans a great deal of confidence. The American
people have rallied around him and together we stand.
-Joe, Braintree
I'm a member of the Boston Yacht Club Race Committee. The BYC had a sailboat race this past Sunday. There were 34 boats participating, each flying an American Flag/Banner ... small and large. Made one smile and proud to live in the United States ... especially that day for there was a bomb scare in Boston Harbor which closed the harbor. Also would like to mention going out of Marblehead Harbor saw all types/shapes/sizes of American Flags, Banners, Swags...made one proud to be an American, at least I was.
-Cyndi Humphreys, Marblehead
My third grade class wrote thank you letters to the rescue workers and volunteers in New York and Washington. I am very proud of them.
-Jennifer Wright, Boylston
