Last night another rodeo

[valley ranch]

This was the third rodeo we've gone seen in the last couple months, while they're all fun and exciting there is something they have in common and stands out.

It's the reverance for the Flag during the national anthem. People are so markedly different who attend, this can be seen in their dress and general appearance. But the love and attention during that time at the begining is so noticeable.
Brings tears to your eyes, if someone belongs here and is not deeply moved, they must have the sole of a worm.

 

[so lucky]

I think that is wonderful that Americans are still moved by the flag, and the pledge, and the national anthem. We are a nation of cynics, on the surface, but still have national pride.

 

[journey11]

Must be a cowboy thing.

My hometown is said to have the largest small-town Fourth of July celebration, but I am not sure how much of it has to do with patriotism. People are so uneducated on flag etiquette anymore. It is proper to either clap as the flag goes by in the parade or to stand with your hand over your heart (hats off, of course). It is rare that I see people do either. And we see so many parade entries where the flag is draped across the hood of a car, worn, or used as a saddle blanket. Shameful.

I still believe this nation is the greatest on earth.

We saw the movie American Sniper last night. I was left with the question, why wasn't this man's story told while he was still alive? As remarkable as it was, I do not recall any of it ever making the news.

 

[Nyboy]

Journey so many heroes stories not told till after they die.

 

[valley ranch]

We saw that too, not done badly at all, he was a good one.

There are some cynics.
America is the greatest country there is, father told me that, he'd been to some countries, and Americans are the most generous people on earth, when the season of giving is theirs, now it's taken from them and thrown away like we have no right to have it.

As for flying the flag most do pritty well. We can wear our colors on any thing, but not the flag, like some jackass wearing a pair of pants made out of the flag, that's not right.

 

[Smart Red]

This is Wisconsin where the National anthem is sung by the fans before sports games not merely listened to respectfully.

Yet, you are right about parades. When my oldest grands were still in elementary school, I went with them to a parade. All the town turned out and the road sides were packed with people, chairs, beverages as they waited for the parade to start.

Then the colors came by at the head of the parade. I stood and 'reminded' the boys to remove their caps. My daughter called me silly and said the boys needed the hats for sun protection. So I stood alone with my hand over my heart. Gradually, people nearby began looking at me and stood as the flag went past.

I get emotional when I see that beautiful flag and remember what it stands for and where it has been. Of course, I'm just a crazy old lady. Who knew?