Letter To The Editor: Petaluma, Let's Hang Flags This Memorial Day

The following is a letter to the editor authored by Petaluma resident Sara Zander.

My home is on Edith Street near Washington. For every national, patriotic holiday I raise my American flag next to my front door. It isn’t easy; I’ll be 77 this July, I’m only 5’ ‘tall’ and it’s a large flag with a high mount, but I do it.

In driving around our town I rarely see other flags or buntings displayed on homes.

It appears that my Petaluma neighbors are great at watching parades, oogling old cars, munching at community feasts, listening to 60’s rock and dressing adorable children in Butter and Egg Days’ chicken feathers.

Apparently, not so great at proudly displaying the symbol of our country’s independence. You know, that symbol so many gave their lives to defend?

I’d like to encourage every household in our beautiful, historic Petaluma to dig out their flag (or purchase a new one) for this Monday and to proudly display it for all to see. Not able to buy or find a flag? Have an hour of fun (with a kid?) coloring a flag on a sheet of paper and tape it up in a front window.

Let’s let that cute, feather-wearing child, music-loving teen, beloved immigrant friend, honored veteran neighbor see that your family truly understands what Memorial Day means. It’s not just hot dogs, hamburgers and parades. It’s America.

Thank you,
Sara Zander