Patriotism more than lapel pins

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Monday, April 28, 2008

CBS Evening News chief Washington correspondent and Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer has some thoughts about wearing or not wearing a flag pin on one’s lapel.

“I watched the ABC debate when the question came up about why Sen. Barack Obama doesn't wear a flag pin on his lapel,” said Schieffer, an Air Force veteran. “I think it’s a nice thing if people want to wear a flag on their lapel. But I believe it more important to keep the flag behind our lapel — in our hearts.”

Schieffer said he feels the same way about wearing religion on one’s sleeve. “It fits better for me on the inside,” he said.

“When I go to see our local baseball team, I wear my Washington Nationals baseball cap. But am I less a fan if I don't wear it to work?”

Schieffer wears a red, white and blue stars and stripes tie on the Fourth of July.

“Am I less patriotic when I trade it for my Santa Claus tie at Christmas?” he asks.

Patriotism, he maintains, is no more about signs or pins than religion is about reminding others how pious we think we are.

“No,” said Schieffer, “the proof in these puddings is not the signs we wear but how we act. Wouldn't that also be a better way to judge our presidential candidates — than by the jewelry they wear?”

••••••

Life goes on at Pelican Rapids High School, following some very tough times earlier this month. Praise for band director Sean Fitzsimmons continues to be heard. Always putting the students first, Fitzsimmons leads by example.

His caring attitude and leadership, following the band bus accident that took the life of band member Jessica Weishair, has been cited time and again by parents, faculty, administration, area residents and others.

Fitzsimmons has, in fact, led by example for many years in Pelican Rapids.

For over two years, when I worked as a news reporter in Pelican Rapids from March 2003 to November 2005, it was heartwarming each day, when entering the high school, to hear band members playing their musical instruments.

Sean was enthusiastic whether it be 8 a.m. in the band room or 8 p.m. in the PRHS gymnasium while leading the band during a Viking girls or boys basketball game. He also gave it his all during commencements or other special occasions during which his musicians performed.

Fitzsimmons, showing true class, downplayed his own injuries in the bus accident earlier this month.

He said that thoughts, gifts and prayers have uplifted his sprits.

“It’s beyond belief and I sincerely thank people for helping my incredible band students, chaperones and me get through the most difficult time of most of our lives,” he said.

Chris Coleman, a teacher at PRHS and mother of band member Kendra Coleman, echoed many who said that Fitzsimmons is an amazing person who has maintained strength, a sense of caring and composure in the wake of the band bus accident.

Pelican Rapids school board member Kathy Ouren agrees.

“We owe a lot to Sean for his leadership,” said Ouren, who was among those shedding tears during the funeral for Jessica. “Sean and the band members are outstanding individuals.”

Weishair family friend Patti Boen said it best.

“Jessica would want us to miss her, but she would insist that each of us always have a smile on our face as we go about our lives.”

Tom Hintgen’s column runs on Mondays.