By Susan Foster
The dictionary defines Americanism as allegiance to the United States and its customs and institutions. Theodore Roosevelt said “There can be no fifty-fifty Americanism in this country. There is room here for only 100% Americanism, only for those who are Americans and nothing else.”
This month we celebrate Memorial Day, originally called Declaration Day, as remembrance of those who died in service to the United States. Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. once said that the reason we honor Memorial Day is because it “celebrates and solemnly reaffirms from year to year a national act of enthusiasm and faith.”
A symbol of Americanism is displaying the American flag. Memorial Day is sort of an unofficial start to summer as well as the start of several consecutive months when we display our flag proudly. We exhibit our flag for Memorial Day, then again in June for Flag Day and in July for Independence Day.
The American flag can be seen everywhere from government buildings to sporting events and even on the moon.
Be sure to fly your flag!