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It is a blessed wonder to see the United States Flag waving. It does not matter the reason or the purpose in my mind. Anytime the flag is raised raises a variety of impressions. Regardless old glory is not raised by happenstance for an individual or an incident.
Often times the intersection and even collision of history, politics, interpretation and yes protocol provides us all with a chance to reflect on either death , memory ,significance or progress.
Why should the singular death of one individual draw attention?
To defend the life and limb of city residents. To be barred from doing so for many decades. To require court decisions and consent decrees to aid in the fulfillment of democratic and human rights.
What is the significance of being the first Black line firefighter? How could major league baseball and Professional Golf prevent people of color from participating for many decades in these United States?
Historians will debate and describe how the hearts of men and women might not be on fire when it comes to justice for all, but will indeed dampen and extinguish the dreams of others by custom or conspiracy.
Did a reign of terror prevent George Sweeney wannabees from joining the New Haven Fire Department? Is the current problem in the New York City Fire department due to malign neglect and coincidence?
Questions of what the future will hold can also be constructed but the answers to today reside in our hearts, minds and actions.
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