This Memorial Day . . .
Dearborn Memorial Day parade-watchers.
On this Memorial Day, let’s all fly our flags and keep alive the spirit of American patriotism that is burning bright in all of us today. We thankfully remember those who have fought, who are fighting, and who will continue to fight to preserve our liberty and the right of all people to live in freedom.
As we pause to give thanks on this holiday, let’s also take the time to reflect on what Harold Ickes, Secretary of the Interior of the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, said in a speech on May 18, 1941 during the heated debate that occurred over the United States open support of the Allies before entering World War II.
” . . . What constitutes an American? Not color nor race nor religion. Not the pedigree of his family nor the place of his birth. Not the coincidence of his citizenship. Not his social status nor his bank account. Not his trade nor his profession.
“An America is one who loves justice and believes in the dignity of man. An American is one who will fight for his freedom and that of his neighbor. An American is one who will sacrifice property, ease and security in order that he and his children may retain the right of free men . . . ”
May 25th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Memorial Day flag rule #1 http://www.cityofdearborn.org/news/memday09/flag.pdf was violated by the Lebanese-American group that had the Lebanese flag larger than the American Flag; this is total disrespect to our Flag, our Country, and our Liberty. I hope the city or Allied War Veterans enforce the rules and see that thay are not invited back.
May 25th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
As a military spouse (my husband is a veteran, but I believe that once you are a military spouse, you will always be one at heart), I am so grateful for people like you that try to help people remember the real reason for Memorial Day. Family BBQs and parades are wonderful–as long as we keep the reason for the day in mind. Thank you to all who have given their lives and all who continue to protect us daily.
May 27th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I absolutely agree with Milwood. If the arab people want to participate in the parade, honor the deceased, and not play political games with your flag. Love the meaning of the pade or don’t participate in it.
May 28th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Jamie, please don’t cast all the “Arab” people together in this group. Did you you happen to see the Arab American veteran’s group? They were among the most patriotic folks in the parade–what a contrast to the Lebanese group’s theme where the American flag was an afterthought. Memorial Day parades are supposed to honor American veterans who died in American conflicts, and the Arab Americans veterans group was extremely sucessful in this regard. In contrast, the Lebanese group attached small American flags on the pole above a Lebanese flag which is 10x larger; this half-hearted effort hardly pays homage or tribute to our American vetrerans, and more likely conveys a wholly careless attitude about the significance of such an event. Next year, Lebanese Group, don’t embarass yourselves, stay home; otherwise, you might be told to leave because you are not complying with the rules everyone else has to. I wish someone had done that to you this year!