Fly the flag

My only disappointment with Mount Airy is the absence of the flag.  On national holidays, the American flag is scarcely to be seen.  What a contrast from the river wards, whose working class families fly the flag from nearly every house.

America has a troubled history—slavery, extermination of the Native Americans, economic exploitation, discrimination, aggressive wars.  The American story is about addressing our faults and striving for justice. 

America has its ideals---equality, democracy, tolerance.  America has always been a beacon of hope to the world, drawing people of every race, religion and nationality to our shores. 

I attended the naturalization ceremony on Flag Day at the Betsy Ross house.   Thirteen immigrants swore allegiance to the United States---people from Ghana, Liberia, Guyana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico and Ukraine.   As they prepared for the oath, I could see their anxiety.  When the local commissioner of immigration pronounced them citizens, relief and joy beamed from their faces.

Today, some 11 million people are violating the law by being in America.  They live in the shadows, subject to deportation, without the full protection of the law and the social safety net.  Still, they stay, struggling for rights and recognition.

Mount Airy has unparalleled traditions of acceptance and dissent.  Even if you discount all of America's shortcomings, we still have reason to celebrate.

Fly the flag on Independence Day.