Photo by me, while Congressional candidate Scott Folkens addresses the crowd. Media photographer in right foreground. Hopefully we soon see Old Glory again on the front of the building, on national patriotic holdays.
Posted on 06/15/2006 6:38:21 AM PDT by The Spirit Of Allegiance
What a Flag Day it was!
Some would ask, 'Lyman, aren't you and others over-reacting, about the display of just one more flag?'
That's the question I had to ask--and answer.
The answer: an emphatic No!
Apathy, shrugging the shoulders, passivity, lethargy, failure to take a stand about symbolism, intangibles and principles...is a slippery slope. We're living in a world where there is constant pressure to be 'politically correct' so as not to offend with genuine appropriate American patriotism, here in these United States.
We had about 30 patriots show up during work hours, with people driving from as far as Murrieta (50 miles) and Huntington Beach (65 miles).
We started the rally a little after 3pm. There were media from the San Bernardino Sun, Riverside Press Enterprise and Channel 11 that I know of. (KNX Newx Radio phoned me for an interview earlier in the day.)
We started with the Pledge of Allegiance and then I read the brief Tom McClintock speech posted HERE.
I then gave the following speech:
SPEECH/STATEMENT BY LYMAN STUCKY:
I and many people here are displeased that the City Council recently voted 4-3 to not display the City's big flag. Huge flags SHOULD be flown on Flag Day. I'm glad we do have American Flags flying here. I say the more, the bigger, the better!
Yes, we fly our flag daily. Proudly. Because we are Americans. We expect that. And yet, the sacrifices of those who have gone before--and the privileges we enjoy under that Flag--call for even more of a tribute on special days like today--Flag Day.
We want the big flag flown on special days, like National Holidays and 9/11 as a fitting tribute. All gave some. Some gave all. Never let them be forgotten. NEVER let them be forgotten. Never let be casually regarded 'what so proudly we hailed, by the twilight's last gleaming'! Never take too lightly the sacrifices of those who put their lives on the line so that we can stand here free. Thank you Vets. Thank you Troops!
I know most everyone here will also agree with me when I say that I want to help build up San Bernardino--and America. Accentuate the positive--while not being in denial of problems. Work together as a community to improve every possible aspect of our home town.
Route 66 Rendezvous is a nonprofit organization and not a part of City Hall. That being the case, I don't want Route 66 to take the heat for the four City Council member's bad decision. In a few minutes, when I leave this rally I will go directly to the Route 66 Office at Second and E Streets, with my check to register my car in this September's event--as I have done previously -- and I invite other car buffs to follow me there. Tomorrow is the deadline to postmark earlybird registrations.
Okay.
Now, back to the major, original issue. Honoring Old Glory on National Holidays. I suggest that we pay very close attention to our City Council's votes and make sure they are both patriotic and good governance. I call on the City Council to reconsider the Resolution and to amend it to allow display of any larger flage the City may obtain. I also urge the Council to ensure that all possible City flags are on display during Route 66 and every anniversary of 9/11.
I and other concerned citizens will wait until after the June 19 Council meeting to decide on any next courses of action. I call on the voters to watch how the City Council votes--on everything, not just patriotic issues--and if need be, vote for someone else next time.
Three other local residents then spoke: Deanna Adams, who gave a presentation on the meaning of the colors and design of the flag; Scott Folkens, a candidate running against Congressman Joe Baca; and Gary Ewing, a professional car club DJ who told the group that the 40 car clubs he is involved with are emphatically in favor of proudly displaying Old Glory.
I delivered an abbreviated version of the prepared notes below as my concluding remarks:
Look at those beautiful cars. Those were made in America. Look at that beautiful Flag. They don't call our flag Old Glory for nothing. Truly God has blessed America.
Thank you for coming -- in conclusion, let's sing our National Anthem-and after we sing, I'm going to cruise over to Second and E Street, to register for this year's Route 66 -- to show my own good faith and my hopes for a great day, Flag Day, and every day, in San Bernardino. I'll ask my fellow car buffs to support me and this City in mutual hopes and efforts for a bright, patriotic future for San Bernardino. Even if you've already registered for Route 66 or otherwise want to show your support for our Flag, please follow me over there on your way home. God Bless You, God Bless America, and may God Bless The City Of San Bernardino!
We concluded by singing The Star Spangled Banner. The several classic cars and hot rods followed me toward the Visitors and Convention Bureau as I went and registered my car, The Spirit Of Allegiance, for (at least ONE more) Route 66.
I returned to the plaza outside City Hall after the brief stop at the nearby Route 66 office. Chas Kelly, the patriotic Councilman who introduced the Motion to display the big flag, had just arrived as I returned. He expressed great appreciation that the public would show up in his support. Several ralliers thanked me for being the one who committed to actually do something public in support of Mr. Kelly and his Motion. I say, a big THANK YOU to DJ Gary and Carolyn, Tori, Bill, Ron, Gayle, Jim and Angie, Penny, Pete, Gene, Joan, Scott, Robert, Deanna, James and the others who showed up and stood with our Flag, Councilman Chas Kelley and me.
I am striving to keep the situation as nonpartisan and as high-principled as the Flag itself. I mentioned to some reporters that I hoped this rally and the potential of Route 66 boycott efforts would be a sufficient warning shot across the bow. I believe the point was clearly made and I then commenced to act with a conciliatory gesture. Hopefully Old Glory will be given all due respect and displayed with ever more pride in America and what America means...
Freedom isn't free and there is more to patriotism than the ritual motion of raising a flag. That flag MEANS something. It stands for us and it unites us!
I may have a follow-up report depending on the City Council's actions in coming weeks....
Photo by me, while Congressional candidate Scott Folkens addresses the crowd. Media photographer in right foreground. Hopefully we soon see Old Glory again on the front of the building, on national patriotic holdays.
FGS
Thanks for the ping Lyman. Beautiful picture, y'all did a great job!
Proud of Old Glory BUMP!
Thank you ALL for standing up for her!!!
Great action, report and picture. It's good to see people stand up for America!
BTTT
Great job! Thank you!
Very nice report!
You do us very proud.
Thank you for the ping!
BTW, I didn't know you were blurblogger.
I should have known when I saw your beautiful car, though. ;o)
Keep up the excellent work!
From that quarter, I only heard crickets chirping.... ;^)
A shame really; she seemed like such a nice girl ;^)
The 2002 floral flag was 740 feet wide and 390 feet high and maintained the proper flag dimensions as described in executive order #10834. This flag was 6.65 acres and was the first floral flag to be planted with 5 pointed stars, each star was 24 feet in diameter and each stripe 30 feet wide. This flag was estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants with 4-5 flower stems each for a total of more than 2 million flowers. It's life span was approximately 3 months and went to seed in early August 2002.
Aerial photo courtesy of Bill Morson
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Now THAT is a flag! I've seen a photo of it before but without all the rest of the info. GLORIOUS!
Time to vote out the City Council! Thank you for standing up in defense of our Flag and the freedom--and sacrifice--it represents.
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