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Patriotism beyond symbolism
By BLAINE CRIMMINS, Commentary
So about this flag thing, I must admit to joining the party late. By the time I'd wrapped my head around the news, any story I wrote would be a story about the story, and that's not what this story needs.
This story needs to stop.
I could make an attempt at covering it anyway, and fuel the fire, or be magnanimous by ignoring it as a news event altogether. Neither of those seemed appropriate, and it became evident that this issue demanded a proper editorial instead.
Say what you will about the The Colony, but one thing this city most certainly is not is un-American. The city isn't banning flags. That's ridiculous.
Americans too often need reminding that patriotism can be expressed in many forms. The American Flag is certainly a patriotic symbol, and our treatment of it is worthy of legitimate debate. By all means, we should be allowed to display the flag prominently and proudly, and in conformance with the community's standards.
Civil disobedience is also a form of patriotism, when one's motivation is rooted in caring so deeply about a cause that atypical means of affecting change seem required. But perhaps the most tangible patriotic act any of us can perform is to support those friends, family, and neighbors who literally put their lives on the line for the rest of us.
The Colony has one of the fastest-growing and most active American Legion Posts in the State of Texas. Led by the tireless Dewey Fambry, veterans of The Colony are fixtures at every major civic event, and many minor ones, too. Legion Rider and Justice of the Peace James DePiazza is one of the most recognizable figures in town.
From Liberty by the Lake to next month's Salute to American Heroes, this city and its veterans community take great pride in the appreciation they express to the brave men and women serving in the nation's military. The Fourth of July and Veterans Day aren't celebrated in The Colony because its a good reason to have a festival, but because there is sincerity behind the expression of support.
It's the people who run the city and are active in the community that set the tone for these type of events. Several of The Colony's former and current civil servants are themselves veterans. Before becoming mayor, Joe McCourry was the commander of the American Legion, and was instrumental in the genesis of the American Heroes event. Former city manager Dale Cheatham, former mayor John Dillard, and former council member John S. Marshall were all military officers, the latter on a nuclear submarine. These are just the ones I know from recent memory. And it's not just that they once wore a uniform, it's that they would never do anything to compromise their pride in having worn it and the passionate support they've shown for those who still do.
Are these the type of men who would support an un-American flag-banning ordinance? Really?
The City of The Colony was recognized by the U.S. Army last year with a Freedom Team Salute award, as was this newspaper. The Freedom Team Salute program highlights "the bond between soldiers, family, community, and veterans," and honors "the sacrifices made by those who support America’s soldiers."
Of all the North Texas communities I've covered in 10 years with Star Community Newspapers, none rivals The Colony for its patriotism as expressed by a willingness to serve. Anyone can put out a flag, but not everyone has the courage to put on the uniform, as many young people from this community do judging by the volume of military notes I receive from the media relations wing of the Armed Forces. It seems every other week, a graduate of The Colony High School has finished basic training or graduated from an ROTC program. If they aren't TCHS grads, their parents call The Colony home.
Just last week I learned about Pfc. Ashley Dalbo's service in Iraq and her meeting with Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Early last year, Spc. Joshua Ballenger was among soldiers in Germany test-driving the military's newest, state-of-the-art hardware.
And then there's Cpl. Peter Courcy, a graduate of Frisco High School but whose family lives in The Colony. He was killed in Afghanistan earlier this year. Monty Slough, the man behind the Denton County Fallen Soldiers Memorial, told me that the "city was behind this family," like they'd lost one of their own.
These are just some of the names of real patriots I've come across during my time working in The Colony, the ones who've crossed my desk. There are many more quietly doing their duty overseas. I deliberately make sure they get the recognition they deserve because I know that's what this particular community expects and appreciates.
What it does not want, or deserve, is to become the focal-point of a non-issue argument about the minute details of displaying flags, and what statements those details supposedly make about the community's sense of patriotism. The mayor might want to reconsider his offer to open up that can of worms.
Servicemen and women from The Colony were not raised in an un-American community, and the people here at home who support them should not be accused of un-American behavior. Anyone saying otherwise simply does not know what The Colony, Texas, is really all about.
Blaine Crimmins is the community editor for The Colony Courier-Leader.
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