Don't forget to fly the flag
It is always a wonderful feeling for both young and old to look at all the Christmas lights at night and the festive flags and ornaments during the day. The effort to make our homes look so beautiful is undoubtedly appreciated.

However, there is one thing missing from all this spirit and that is a special place in front of our homes to fly the American flag.

During the period of 9/11 there were many more flags being flown in front of our homes and on our trucks and cars as well. I know we have not forgotten about 9/11, and I understand people disagree with our government and the horrors of war. There are also those who are busy with work, their homes and their children and respectively have not given the display of the American flag much thought.

The flying of our American flag means more than a million Christmas lights or hours of fireworks. It can be a powerful teaching aid for our children as it represents the values of camaraderie, loyalty, pride and that everything in life isn't always handed to us. It reminds us as adults to be grateful and thankful for the freedoms we have and for the freedom to speak out when we disagree. Most importantly, let it remind us of the men and women who have served and are serving our country — the ones who have given their lives, their limbs and the ones who are forever scarred with the nightmares of war.

My letter is not intended to offend or insult anybody. I only want to remind us that the flying of our flag is a hard-earned and honorable thing. Also, for us to be proud of our past, band together for the present and keep America the land of the free and home of the brave for the future.

I wish everyone a happy holiday and most importantly, God bless America.
Jason Z. McCabe
Brick