Apathy

I watched as the parade pushed by, hoping the feeling of pride seeing the flags flying would return. I waved, shook hands and thanked the veterans who walked by my edge of the festivities, hoping to capture the patriotic feelings I had as a child.

We sang songs then, raised our hand to our heart and believed, knew we were the best, the bravest, the most helpful caring nation. We had fathers and brothers and uncles who fought bravely against the rebel enemies. We had canteens and the USO and Bob Hope. We knew we were right in those feelings.

Now I see protesting, disappointed people, and some only here to see their child perform in some way. The feelings are not the same. Tiny people waving the red, white and blue that blindly follow with no idea what the flag represents. Older children wearing t-shirts emblazoned with apathetic rude monikers, knowing nothing of what the old veterans’ lives were like when they too were that young.

I felt almost ashamed of what we all had become, unable to relive the feeling of pride in my country.

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FOWC with Fandango — Rebel

Capture – Word of the Day Challenge