A new lighted flagpole was erected on the top of Hill Street and Valley a week or so before the Fourth of July. When coming up Valley Street, going south, the American flag on that pole makes a very beautiful and patriotic sight.

I do not know the people who have moved into the house on top of Senior Hill, but do know they have done a great deal of work on their home and yard. I commend them for their hard endeavors. I especially like the new American flag display.

Being patriotic is not as popular as it once was. Still, I find that most people in Neosho remain true to their country. The large flag on the south side of town will put tears to the eyes of all of us who remain partial to our own country. 

The Kiwanis Club putting flags in front of businesses on holidays as a fund raiser is a real cool thing. In fact, Neosho even has a flag sales company. Can't get much more patriotic than that?

When I was growing up, my family never had a flag, but we were as patriotic as anyone. Although my dad did not serve in the armed services, all but one of the cousins in my generation served somewhere at some time. We farm people usually did not enlist, but waited until we received a letter which began:  “Greetings from the President of the United States. You will report to....”

No one I knew ever questioned being drafted — it was simply something you did as an American.

You do not have to enlist in a branch of the armed services to be patriotic. Just being a good citizen can help you be an American patriot. Remember, John Wayne did not serve in the military. Still, most people consider him a patriot because for whathe did to show he loved his country.

What can a person do to be patriotic? Fly the American flag in front of your home every day; fly it high and often. Wear an American flag pin on your lapel. Take off your baseball cap when the flag goes by.

Say “The Pledge of Alligience” with enthusiasm and listen to the words you are uttering. Sing loud and clear the “Star Spangled Banner” when it is sung. If you cannot sing very well, mumble along. Vote! Buy things that are “Made in the U.S.A.”

I thank the family who put up the new flag and flagpole on top of Senior Hill. It is a wonderful addition to Wildcat Boulevard.

Take a walk, look around, drive the speed limit, be proud to be an American, count the number of American flags flown by the businesses on Neosho Boulevard, and see what you notice while passing along Wildcat Boulevard.