My father was born on Flag Day 1906, which would make him 119 years old were he alive today. Much as I miss him, I'm glad he's not here to witness what is now happening in this country.
At the age of 36, he fought his way across Europe to defeat the authoritarianism of Adolf Hitler — to defeat Naziism and preserve democracy. He did it because he understood how precious and fragile democracy really is and, flawed as it may be, offers humanity the best chance for freedom to flourish.
He most certainly didn't do it so 80 years later a mentally unstable grifter, and his lackeys, could dismantle the institutions that have been the bedrock of our nation for two and a half centuries. A toxic narcissist who views people like my father as "suckers and losers" and has the ignorance to ask of our veterans, "what was in it for them?"
At his inauguration in January 1961, John Kennedy made the famous statement, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country," as clear a call for good citizenship as one will find, and perhaps more important now than ever. So ask yourself, is what is happening today in any way a reflection of the unity and national spirit that JFK asked of us?
The burden of history is now upon our shoulders, calling us to stand up for the values that have made this nation the bulwark of liberty — to reject full-throatedly the attempt by those currently in power to reduce us to a private fiefdom solely for their own benefit.
This Flag Day, remember all of our fellow citizens that sacrificed for this nation, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. If it was worth it to them, it should certainly be worth it to us. If you agree, attend a local "No Kings" rally this Flag Day weekend. Auburn's takes place Friday, June 13, at the equal rights plaza at 5:30 p.m. Your presence is important — democracy needs you!
Larry Dean lives in Auburn.
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