When I was a teen in the sixties, I was active politically and wanted to see changes in the culture. Some of those wishes have been fulfilled, and others are still dreams, like the ERA. And some of what passes for politics is cyclical or two steps forward, one back. But it wasn't cool to be patrotic. I'm glad that instead of spitting at Vietnam Veterans, not that I ever felt that way, we are now compassionate and grateful for current veterans' and their service. I now like a flag outside my house on the Fourth, and we have one at the cabin. I enjoy parades, singing the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful. I've traveled enough to appreciate my country and my life here. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
My country right or wrong is still jarring to me, and I think patriotism is turning toward ugly problems, tackling them and doing our part to make our nation better. Toward a more perfect union: that means to me that there is always more to be done. When something like Charleston happens, we realize we cannot become complacent, thinking the wrongs of the past are ancient history. There is only one flag to fly this day: that of this union of opposites who struggle and disagree and have strong vying opinions but are united in loving our country passionately and committed to making it better by being active, engaged citizens.
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