Raising The Flag

Raising The Flag

My Parents’ Beach Home

Long Beach Island, NJ

September 10, 1983

In August 1993, my father was sworn in as a federal judge. To commemorate this great honor, my siblings and I gave my father a 20-foot flag pole for his yard in Beach Haven, New Jersey. We gathered as a family on a beautiful late Summer afternoon for a flag raising ceremony. We staged photos that mimicked the brave men of Imo Jima. We had a few speeches. We stood at attention as my dad began to raise the flag. He had tears in his eyes and was so damn proud to be in American at this moment. We, on the other hand, were filled with joy and silliness and irreverence. As that flag ascended into the skies, we pulled out our kazoos and hummed patriotic songs. Neighbors watched and stood at attention while we laughed our way through our songs and silly ceremony.

I wish for more days like this one.

Here is my dad's thank you note to me:

September 15, 1983

Dear Bridget,

Just a note to again thank you for the flagpole. All things come to he who waits, has again proven correct.

 I feel like Alexander the great when he had no worlds left to conquer. I have no more needs or wants as of Saturday, September 10, what I raise the American flag on the pole to the tune of the battle is in the republic with a full kazoo accompaniment.

 Lots of love always and may we have many years a flag raising together.

 Love,

 Dad