Marking this Day

[Kutz]

In my school district, we remembered the victims by having sixty minute of silence.

Then we listened to the National Anthem and pledged to the flag.

My utter condolences, sypmathies, etc. are extended to the victims of September 11th and their families.

But it's just plain disgraceful to remember those victims by the country in which they lived. Patriot day? Most people I knew wore red, white and blue. If I were remembered on the anniversary of my death by a slew of patriotic sentiments, I would roll over in my grave. It's insulting.

I don't mean to degrade the sanctity of the day. But I can't accept a salute to the flag as an excuse for a real memorial service.

If you wish to remember only those who were lost, go ahead. If you want to also express your patriotism, go ahead. If you want to do neither, go ahead. But hearing my school district describe a patriotic salute session as a 'memorial service' was disgraceful.