through fresh eyes

The other night I was driving with a friend of mine visiting here from West Africa. Out of the blue my friend asked why so many homes had American flags on them. He went on to say that the only day of the year flags are posted on homes in Liberia is on their flag day. So he wanted to know why so many of us would fly our flag if it wasn't flag day.

I answered as best I could based on my own family experience. I said that we live near many military bases and that many veterans fly the flag year round. And many families of current military personnel do as well to show their support.

A few decades ago I would have said that it was simply a matter of patriotism. I'm not sure that is as legitimate an answer anymore because people's attitudes about our nation have changed so much. Attitudes about the flag have changed too. I don't recall flag burning being much of an issue outside of war protests until the past decade or so.

I'm curious as to any other thoughts some of you may have. It was fascinating though to ear the honest question from someone on the outside looking in.