Patrick Leahy: “as we approach Flag Day tomorrow, I thought it worthwhile to reflect on the innate patriotism of so many Americans.…”

“as we approach Flag Day tomorrow, I thought it worthwhile to reflect on the innate patriotism of so many Americans. Justice Brennan wrote, ``We can imagine no more appropriate response to burning a flag than waving one's own.'' That is exactly how the American people respond. Immediately following September 11, Americans all around the country began to fly flags outside their homes and businesses, to wear flag pins on their lapels, and to place flag stickers on their automobiles. This surge in patriotism over the past 9 months has made American flags such a hot commodity that several major flag manufacturers cannot keep flags stocked on store shelves. Within one week of the attacks, demand for American flags was 20 times higher than is typical for that time of year, according to the National Flag Foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During that same week, Wal-Mart sold 450,000 flags. Within days of the bombing, K-mart sold 200,000 flags. This expression of national pride was spontaneous, and consisted of individual Americans taking conscious acts of patriotism.”