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Saturday, Jul. 04, 2009

Patriotic readers say why they fly Old Glory

Its colors fly high at downtown Macon’s man-made peak, a crown of red, white and blue adorning the city’s skyline.

Old Glory, in all its splendor, waves hello around the clock from atop the BB&T building at Second and Walnut streets.

While Macon’s high-rises aren’t of the eye-popping variety, that lone rooftop flag casts an understated and yet striking image. Barely a block from the banks of the Ocmulgee River, it stands sentry over a town born 47 years after the American Revolution on what was then the American frontier.

It may not mark particularly historic ground like, say, Fort Hawkins, which rises to the east. But for the average commuter, a glimpse of it unfurled while driving by affords a stately enough “how do you do” from Macon, Ga., USA.

James Fennel, the BB&T building’s operating engineer, is the rooftop flag’s caretaker.

“Every day coming into work, when I’m coming down the interstate I look up just to see what the flag’s doing,” Fennel, 54, says. “It’s a relief to see it flying every day. It means a lot to me.”

While it may be the city’s unofficial First Flag, there are scores of stars and stripes flying in yards and on porches all over town, especially today, the Fourth of July.

The Telegraph asked readers who hoist them to write in and say why, to tell us what it is about our grand old flag that earns their salutes, and dozens responded. Here’s a sampler, some of them excerpts, of what readers told us:

* * *

Sometimes one takes our freedom for granted. Our reminder came a few months ago, just before our son was deployed. He is a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps and was getting ready to leave on his third deployment. He is a recon sniper and is very proud to be a part of our armed forces. Upon completion of this last visit, we asked our son if there was anything he needed. He had only one request: “Mom and Diddy, please put up a flag.” No further explanation was needed.

— Kay and John MacDonald, Macon

* * *

There is no prettier sight than to see the “grand ole flag” on a high pole waving in the breeze. It reminds us of the daily responsibilities that come with this great gift. Whether I see the flag proudly leading a parade, draped over a casket, or when we place our hand over our heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance, it reminds us that we are one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

We fly the American flag with pride. It reminds us we have the freedom to speak, to worship, to vote and much more.

— Shirley Tolbert, Macon

* * *

For my daughter (U.S. Navy), two sons (Bosnia/Iraq), nephews (Iraq/Afghanistan), brother (Cold War), father (World War II), uncles (World War I, World War II), great-grandfather (Civil War) and three great-great-great grandfathers (Revolutionary War). We McConnells honor all who have served and are currently serving our country. Veterans understand the trust costs of those who selflessly served in all our country’s conflicts and branches of service.

— Retired Lt. John R. McConnell II, Bonaire

* * *

The reason we fly our flag is not only showing our patriotism to everyone that drives by. It is because we can. ... Our flag represents that patriotism of old. I am proud to be a part of the greatest nation on earth. I fly our stars and stripes to show my undying gratitude for those who struggled to make us free.

— Lawrence Holland, Macon

* * *

We fly our flag because it symbolizes the freedom given to us. ... The flag reminds us that freedom must never be taken for granted. It must be cherished, nurtured and defended when it comes under attack.

— Mr. and Mrs. Frederick T. Main, Milledgeville

* * *

I fly two flags in my yard so that I can see one or both of them from anywhere in the yard. They are flown 365 days a year and replaced with even a hint of wear. I am so adamant about flying mine because so many communities won’t allow you to fly even one for fear that it might offend someone. ... Every time I look at mine, I am reminded of the freedom that I enjoy, and the sacrifice that has been made by so many of our ancestors to insure we can continue our freedoms.

— Darlis Whitworth, Gray

* * *

I fly Old Glory with pride because it symbolizes the United States of America, and I am 100 percent American. My country keeps me and protects me. When I see the flag, I see power, greatness, freedom and opportunity.

— Jack Wilson, Macon

* * *

Being on the East and West German border and seeing all the lights going out on the East side because it’s mandatory, and being able to keep my lights on as long as I want to. That’s freedom. ... Coming back to the United States after being gone for several years and seeing Old Glory flowing in her majesty. That’s beautiful.

— Pearlene Waters, Macon

* * *

It is a shame that not more Americans fly Old Glory to show the world our love of our great country. I was raised to respect the flag, show it honor and be proud of it. ... I also raise the flag to show respect to my father, who fought in World War II. ... When I look at Old Glory flying above my head, it reminds me of him and the things he had taught me about the flag. My dad always flew his flag, and now I carry on the tradition.

— Tony Dunn, Byron

* * *

Displaying the American flag on the Fourth of July is a tradition my family brought from Pennsylvania. ... As long as I can remember, two flags were flown on the columns of our home on Ingleside Avenue. This tradition, which my brother and I continue, brings back lots of memories of our parents and their love for our country.

— Harriet Fincher Comer, Macon

* * *

I have purchased at least 100 3-by-5-foot flags in (the past) 25 years. ... I put it up late morning and take it down at sundown. I do each day as a habit and to honor all my fellow veterans still serving. No other family member ever helps me in raising my flag each day, and as long as I live and am able, I will continue to raise this American flag every day.

— Richard E. Fox, Macon

* * *

My wife and I fly the American flag for our son Garrett and his unit who are currently serving with the Army in Iraq. The flag, to us, means that the service and sacrifices given by our past, present and future soldiers is not in vain. We proudly fly our flag not just for Garret and his unit, but for all who have served this great nation and kept us free.

— Wally Holden, Warner Robins

* * *

As Independence Day approaches, I am especially grateful to my family, the “seven Poole boys,” who so bravely defended our flag and country during World War II. They served all over the world. The Putnam County Recreation Complex was named in honor of these veterans.

— Frances Poole, Eatonton

* * *

We proudly fly our flag daily, decorate our yard on national holidays, attend Memorial Day services at local funeral homes and we took two of our grandsons to the parade for the 48th (Infantry Brigade) in Macon this spring. I love my country and what it has stood for. ... I pray each day that our country will always be free, that wars will cease and that our great flag will always bring pride to each of us.

— Nancy L. White, Macon

* * *

I fly the flag for every single quote, song lyric and belief I was ever taught or led to believe. ... I am a sucker for everything that the flag represents, and I personally find a level of comfort and assurance that one would find in their religion. For our military brothers and sisters who serve and for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, I must fly Old Glory. There simply is no other option for me as an American. That “our flag was still there” is the most important line in our national anthem.

— George Fisher, Macon