“Flag Day” has traditionally been a time to commemorate the adoption of the “Stars and Stripes” as the U.S. banner. Towns across the nation will raise the American flag on government buildings, residential properties and businesses.
We feel that our community should partake in these traditions as well, but not because a group of ignorant, hate-infused mongers will be barking their way through town on “Flag Day.”
Don’t forget that just as a certain Qur’an-burning pastor and his cohort of aggressive bikers have a right under the First Amendment to express their dismay towards our culture and religion, we have rights, too.
We have a right to establish Islamic centers; we have a right to distribute and eat halal food; and we have a right to pray five times a day. That’s the beauty of our country.
And what better way to derail the acts of hatred towards our community than to show pride in our country, by participating in “Flag Day.”
We are calling for all Arab American households across the city to display the American Flag on their front porch or on their lawns on Saturday, June 14.
If we must show up in droves anywhere that day, let it be at Ford Field Park, where the city will be holding their annual flag day ceremony at 7:00 p.m.. Hopefully, by then those ignorant “guests” to our community will have already lifted their motorcycle kickstands and ridden back to their constitutionally-protected deluded little worlds.
This week, community members have also begun distributing American flags around town to display in front of businesses. Residents should also be aware that this week marks the kick off of the World Cup in Brazil, so many restaurants and lounges will be displaying flags from various countries in front of their establishment.
We are asking all business owners— whether on Warren Ave, Ford Rd., Schaefer Rd., Greenfield Rd. or Michigan Ave.— to proudly raise the American flag on this day, as a token of appreciation for our freedoms in this country.
It would also serve as a great reminder to just how much we, as law-abiding residents, have contributed to our country’s economy. A country that has allowed us to establish a unique and historic presence, in a city that is flourishing with rich culture and diversity.
So, raise those American flags with pride on “Flag Day.” Do it because we will continue to do what we’ve been doing; pursuing education, opening up innovative new businesses and paying our taxes. We will continue to achieve our dreams, with the American Flag on our side.
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