A Tosa State of Mind
Alderman Dennis McBride represents Wauwatosa's 4th District. An attorney and graduate of Wauwatosa East High School, Ald. McBride strives to be an effective, thoughtful, and nonpartisan representative for his constituents and for his hometown.
Flag Day
Some years ago one April, my offer to buy a home on Betsy Ross Place was accepted. The realtor asked when to close the deal, saying we needed six weeks. "Why, June 14th of course!" I replied. "On what day other than Flag Day would you buy a house on Betsy Ross Place?"
Call me corny, but, like Johnny Cash, I love that "Ragged Old Flag." (On Flag Day in 1977, I was fortunate to see Johnny perform that song in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.) When my Dad, a World War II veteran, used to take me to Wauwatosa's Memorial Day and July 4th celebrations, he always made me stand tall and put my hand over my heart when Old Glory passed by. I have taught my kids the same lesson.
For years, I saw many Wauwatosans sitting when the flag went by. Now, thankfully, most have renewed the custom of standing to honor the Ragged Old Flag. As my Dad could have said, but Henry Cuyler Bunner wrote:
Off with your hat, as the flag goes by!
And let the heart have its say
You're man enough for a tear in your eye
That you will not wipe away.
Compared with Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, June 14th is a minor holiday. But let's fly the flag today anyway. It's flag season, and Old Glory never looks better than on a June day.
It's a grand old flag, a high-flying flag. Forever in peace may it wave, with liberty and justice for all.
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