Patriotic Memories

The celebration of July 4th in Southport was memorable for those fortunate enough to spend the day. Beginning July 1, there were naturalization ceremonies, flag retiring ceremonies and memorials to those who sacrificed their lives for our country. The major event of the weekend was the annual parade through Southport.

This year, 2011, was memorable for the presence of an honor guard carrying the National 9/11 Memorial Flag. As we near the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 attack, the flag flown on the North Tower of the World Trade Center that day is circulating throughout the 50 states prior to being placed in the museum in New York.  Southport represented North Carolina in receiving, sharing and offering repairs to the flag torn in the 9/11 bombing in NYC.

Children love the parade with the clowns, the floats, the bands and the people passing out candy and beads, fans and cold drinks bringing sparkle to their eyes.  The fire engines passed with horns blowing  and sirens wailing, the Shriners followed with their many clown units in mini race cars. The kids were clapping along with the bands playing and twirlers tossing batons in the air. And then there was a quiet hush over the crowd, the kids were watching as the honor guard of soldiers, EMS and firefighters, scouts and volunteers proudly carried the 9/11 flag along the street.

There was a moment of silence as we watched the flag pass by, stretched curb to curb. There were the yellowed stripes from smoke and ash, the torn edges with retired flags patched over them. The crowd was awestruck as the guard drew to a halt and knelt before us, then raised the back to give us a glimpse of this reminder of our country's patriots.  The honor to Southport and to all First Responders was shared by all those present.

Later that day, the line was wrapped around the corner of the building and people stood in the hot sun for the chance to add a stitch to the flag, repair the tears and add the pieces to make it whole. The city of Southport celebrated our Independence Day but also, renewed our sense of patriotism and dedication of those who volunteer for their community. The honor guard was made up of young and old, warrior and volunteer and yet they all gave us a glimpse of a patriotic memory when they marched through Southport with the 9/11 Memorial Flag.

We Americans love to celebrate our heritage with flags and floats, parades and family barbeques.  Southport certainly added to our patriotic memories with this historic addition to the 2011 celebration.