I knew I spoke too soon. The lawn blimps are back. There’s also an illuminated flag-thing hanging in front of the garage that’s red, white and blue Christmas lights in some sort of plastic grid. The sign to the left is permanent and commemorates local firefighters and police, which I was able to read for the first time today. Usually, I’m flying past on my way to work or to church (ooh! my brilliant career, not). I can’t remember if the flag signboard was always there, or went up after 9/11. I think it’s been repainted recently – it used to just say “support our troops” in large, unfriendly letters.

Patriotism, Walmartian Style

The days immediately following the WTC/Pentagon/??? attacks were so hard. There were so many flags flying – on the one hand, it made me feel stronger for knowing that people were trying to lift each others’ spirits. On the other hand, it made me feel sad, because they were also a symbol of grief and mourning. Around that time there were certain songs that helped me get through it – U2’s “Walk On” being one of the most important.

The first time I saw a really large truck-mounted flag, attached to the back of a fire truck that was tearing along with sirens and lights going, I thought my heart would break with sadness and pride. However, the next time I saw a large truck flag, and the next time, and the next time, and the next time ad nauseam, it was stapled to a broomstick and stuck in the stake pockets. And more often than not, it was tattered and dirty, and the sight was very depressing.

I’m sure the folks at this house are very sincere in their wish to show their support for people who serve this country and this community, and to show their feelings in general. But to me, the display looks tacky… and yes, depressing.

And naturally, it’ll stay up until sometime after the Fourth of July, when the cactus will probably make its annual reappearance. Christmas will be just around the corner then.