Today is June 14th, Flag Day in America, and I’m a little disappointed.
This is when the Second Continental Congress, in 1777, adopted our red, white and blue national flag. Flags are flying to celebrate, but come on, what kind of American holiday is this? Where are the chocolates we buy and present to one another to show our patriotism? There are no Hershey’s Kisses in red, white and blue foil. No one is saying, “Come on over, we’ve having a Flag Day barbecue.” NASCAR isn’t running a Flag Day 500 sponsored by (insert your sponsor here). Where are the radio ads promoting gigantic Flag Day sales at JC Penny’s, Sears, Walmart, Target, Lowes or Home Depot?
Children aren’t giddy with pleasure that today is Flag Day. Nobody is walking around, pausing to ask, “Are you ready for the holiday? Do you have any special plans for Flag Day?” There’s not a single red, white and blue marshmallow peep for sale anywhere to honor this holiday, no restaurants broadcasting, “Bring the family in for Flag Day. Show us your flag and receive ten percent off.” Fireworks are missing, and there are no parades. I didn’t see Flag Day cakes in the bakeries, or even brownies, cupcakes or cookies.
Really, America, where is your marketing sense? You’re missing out on another area for profit, another reason to celebrate being American with gifts, food, parties and booze. Look at what you’ve done with Christmas, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, Father and Mother’s Days, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, along with birthdays and graduations. Here is a holiday passing you right by without any show of patriotic consumerism and hedonism.
I am so disappointed.
Michael Seidel, writer 
my father thought it patriotic to post the 48-star flag.
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I’m interested in the thread about why that was more patriotic, if there’s something to share there.
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Dad’s father was a WWII vet, an army sharpshooter, an MP guarding Jap prisoners island hopping through the Pacific for 2.5 of the best years of his life. i don’t think grandpa ever cottoned to the new states when he only pissed in the mud for 48. for grandpa, it was a matter of earning the right. for dad, it’s a matter of honoring his old man. for me, i respect both men but serve the 5-0.
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Thanks for sharing a different insight. It’s much appreciated and an intriguing aspect. Cheers, M
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honestly, really appreciate your following up.
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grandpa passed last July. he was 98. http://wp.me/p42nDG-q0
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98 – an astonishing age, in an amazing era, he probably experienced and witnessed terrific history and cultural developments. It sounds like he shared them with you, as well, so the memories stay alive. From your post, it seems you frequently think of him.
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Thanks again, Michael. appreciated being able to share these memories.
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Isn’t this refreshing? No fake celebrations, no cards, no sales…just celebrating by running the flag up the flagpole. Of course, this year only half-staff, which is disturbing for so many reasons (like Sandy Hook, San Bernadino, and many others too numerous to mention but have been sliced into our hearts). ~nan
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It’ refreshing but strange, nan, a sense provoked by hearing perpetual commercials for Father’s Day and its associated sales and activities, and then seeing the flags and realizing that Flag Day is passing like a barely felt summer breeze. Somewhere on the spectrum between Americanization of holidays and this year’s Flag Day is where I think it should be, not as crassly commercial as Christmas and may others, but with more notice than given Flag Day.
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Agreed, Michael…but I did notice that more people flew their flag AND a few people (like my older sister Sally for example) mentioned it on FB. ~nan
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Thanks for that feedback and insight. I wonder about regional variations, then.
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