Townspeople Express Their Patriotism In Red, White, and Blue

By Steve Bigham

The massive flag that flew over Newtown at the Labor Day Parade earlier this month is long gone to some other venue and some other ceremony, of which there are many these days. In its place, however, are thousands of much smaller flags around town. The flags are being put up by people who say they feel a deep sense of patriotism since last week’s terrorist attacks.

They hang them from their homes, their cars, and even their hats. Some wear shirts with the Stars and Stripes emblazoned across the front. Others wear ribbons. Some have even painted their cars. One man was seen with an American flag draped over his shoulders at Sunday’s vigil at Newtown High School.

Last week’s tragedy, many say, has stirred a reaction not seen from Americans since Pearl Harbor.

“I think it’s great,” said Police Lieutenant David Lydem, who has long been the keeper of Newtown’s American flag. “Obviously, I’d rather see a little more when crises like this are not here, but I certainly love to see it at this time. I think it makes everybody feel better.”

Americans showed their true colors 10 years ago during the Persian Gulf War, but most agree it was nothing like this.

“This is a little different. This really hurt people and I think this is their way of healing, so to speak,” Lt Lydem added.

Town Historian Dan Cruson said the patriotic reaction has been as uniform across the country as it was during World War II.

“And I think it has brought the country together. We tend to react this way in times of crisis. This is unprecedented,” Mr Cruson said. “We’ve never had this kind of disaster that’s taken this many American lives. Even Pearl Harbor didn’t amount to 6,000 people. It was a couple of thousand.”

Mr Cruson said he could not think of any disaster in the US that has ever amounted to this large a loss of life.

“Our reaction is in proportion to the disaster,” he said.

Many have noticed a change in attitude among people. The attacks served as a reminder of how precious life is and seems to have created a kinder, gentler mood among many.

Rev Steve Gordon of the Newtown Congregational Church said the change is unmistakable.

“This really shows how interconnected we all are in this web of life. People are seeing how life is so precious and are more courteous. It has reset their priorities and helped them take that extra step to be kind, hold their tongues, or find more gracious words. Millions of people called their family members because they needed to make contact. We feel vulnerable in times like this and we need to be close to others,” he said.

Churches were packed all over town this past Sunday as worshippers sought out answers, or at least solace.

Newtown resident Peggy Baiad said she is seeing a tremendous return to faith.

“People realize that at times like this, that’s what they really need. When times are tough, that’s when people need their faith to sustain them,” she said.

The community at Newtown High School has come together during these difficult times and Principal Bill Manfredonia said both students and faculty have been “remarkable” in their support for one another.

“We need to pull together as people in our country and work to rebound from this. It shocks us, but it also makes us understand our strength is when we get along and work together,” he said. “Maybe we realize that some of things that seemed so important beforehand really aren’t. What it all boils down to is the importance of our family and friends.

“Of course, last week’s attacks were made that much harder to comprehend because we don’t know who to blame. We’re dealing with a specter,” Mr Cruson said.

Newtown has long been known for its patriotism. It is believed to be one of few communities to actually have a flagpole in the center of its Main Street. On September 3, however, Newtown boasted the nation’s largest – the 90- by 45-foot – flag, which hung above the Pleasance during the Labor Day Parade.