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July Fourth has come and gone, and with it went that patriotic display that was so prevalent. At least that's what I have noticed in my travels around the Ohio Valley. I no longer see as many American flags flying from homes and businesses. Red, white and blue buntings have gone the way of the latest wind storms.
It makes me sad. There was nothing more important to me when we erected our flag pole outside our home than to keep the Stars and Stripes waving proudly. We made sure the pole was illuminated for proper display of the flag at night.
When our flag becomes tattered and torn by the wind, we give it a proper disposal. We make sure to keep a spare flag on hand at all times. Both my dad and my husband's dad served in the military and taught us why it was so important to give the flag its earned respect.
I'm old enough to remember the celebrations that took place for our country's 200th birthday. Of course, the population throughout the Ohio Valley was bursting at the seams. Wheeling's downtown was alive with people moving from one event to another. And there were plenty of things to see to remind us of what the celebration was all about.
All of the downtown retailers got into the action with patriotic displays and special sales. Store clerks even dressed in old-fashioned garb to commemorate the year we gained our independence. I recall West Virginia Independence Hall was a hub of activity with folks role-playing various historic characters.
I know what my critics are going to say: That was then and this is now. True, things have changed in our cities and towns. But has our patriotism faltered, or are we just not feeling that good about our country right now?
There is definitely a deep divide politically among our nation's leaders and even our local officeholders. If ever there was a need to keep our focus on our independence, it's now. And we can do it by never forgetting why we fly our colors.
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.