Quantcast

It is important to display the flag

On May 28, several board members and I had the opportunity and honor to participate in the Whitestone Memorial Day Parade.

I was happy to see so many members of our community, young and old, at the veterans memorial park, at 15th Drive and 149th Street. It was one of the hottest days of the year so far. They all stood there in the heat throughout the ceremony honoring our veterans, past and present.

As we were marching along the parade route, I was happy to see so many of our neighbors lining the streets cheering for the veterans and politicians. Once we reached the main road of 150th Street, I was saddened to see how few stores had the decency to display the American flag outside their businesses.

I know there are at least 40-plus stores along 150th Street from 12th Road to the Cross Island Parkway service road. Yet there were only five or six that had the decency to display our flag.

I also took note of stores off of 150th Street that had some flags out, but to see such a small number on the direct parade route was shameful. These store owners do not realize that if it were not for the sacrifices of these brave men and women, they might not have had the right to own the businesses they do.

It is about time the individuals who own or operate businesses in Whitestone start taking pride in their — I mean, our — community.

We all owe the veterans a great deal of thanks.

Kim F. Cody

President

Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association