I just lowered my flag to half mast for the day in honor of those we lost.

The other day I walked over to chat with a neighbor a few houses up and across the street. There was another neighbor in adjoining driveway that I hadn't met before, so I introduced myself. When I did, he said, "Your the flag guy, right?" I said, "Yes, I am.", and I couldn't have been more proud to learn that I was known as the flag guy by my neighbors.

CRW_4136.jpg

Well, that's another story. I was the first to have one in the neighborhood, then I received a nice letter from the HOA stating that I couldn't. Went back and forth for a couple of weeks, and eventually I won permission to keep it. Within the first few months I had several walkers (I'm in a cul-de-sac with a green belt and walkway at the end) ask me about it, then I slowly started noticing other flag poles pop up around the neighborhood. We also have several homeowners who have mounts on their porch pillars and other places, which is a great option for those who can't have or don't want a flag pole.

I concur with that sentiment. Personally, I make it a point every year on 9/11 to watch the specials and recollections of what happened on that day. The emotions still stir, and I never want the evil that occurred on that day to leave me. It is an annual reminder of to me of the importance and value of American freedom, and how much of the world wants to destroy it.

I still remember going to New York City in early December after 9/11. Smoke was still billowing from ground zero, thousands of makeshift memorials surrounded the perimeter, and all of the posters and signs asking if anyone has seen their missing loved ones was truly surreal. I cannot put into words the indelible thoughts and feelings imprinted on me due to that experience.