Over the past 12 months, we have gone through three American flags. The winds around these parts have taken their toll on Old Glory. To try and save each flag from too much wear and tear, we have moved the flag pole down a few notches.

The flag pole was one of the few must-haves when we moved into our home 12 years ago. It was something I always wanted as a way to show our patriotism and respect for all those in uniform who have and continue to serve this country.

We purchased the pole at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show. It came complete with a solar light that allows us to keep the flag up and flapping at night. It has been serving us well despite the gale force winds we sometimes experience.

Fortunately, Harbor Freight at The Highlands has kept us in flags with very reasonable prices and even various special sales.

The flag has served as a sort of weather barometer as well. It lets us know when the weather is calm or whether to pull the garbage cans into the garage for safe keeping. When I don’t hear the flapping of the Stars and Stripes, I tend to take notice just to make sure it is still there.

A year ago, there seemed to be more American flags flying on homes and businesses, but not so much today. Perhaps the weather has taken some of those flags from their mornings. Or even sadder, political discord is responsible for the lack of public displays.

Whatever the reason, I would hope that in this year of our country’s 250th birthday, the American flag would find its proper place among us all. There is nothing about the flag that says Democrat or Republican. It is meant to represent all of us under one nation.

There is still much to celebrate about this country in which we live. We can lament the price of beef yet herald the lower gasoline prices. We can be thankful for the farmers and coal miners that provide us with the necessities of life. For all the negative aspects of our country that appear to make the headlines, I still can see the overwhelming good we have here. That flag in my front yard reminds me of that every day.

The ground outside my windows is frozen and snow covered on this day. But I’m thinking about spring and planting flowers. I just might find some red, white and blue posies this year to complement Old Glory.

Will you celebrate, too?

Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.