THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 4, 1995 TAG: 9507040383
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
It is, let us say quite objectively on this Fourth of July, the most beautiful flag on earth.
Not bellicose, not arrogant, never swaggering, simply and everlastingly beautiful, whether on our shores or when it rises above the yearning masses in Tiananmen Square.
A smiling flag, seen at once as frank and fragile, a red and white striped candy cane or a fluttering whirligig held forward as an offering in a child's hand toward a brown-clad parade flowing between vociferous banks of spectators.
If you could see but one vista in Washington, it should be the Washington Monument, towering as the character of the man it calls to mind, a taproot of tourists forever forming at its base.
Around it are 50 Stars and Stripes, circling the monument as in a child's game, whipping, in the wind, waving horses' manes on proudly arched necks, rippling running rapids, a patter of wind and a billowing of red and white and a star-flecked patch of blue, so there is almost a sensation of being borne along physically on its current.
It is a joyous insignia of a nation that dares to be sensitive, compassionate, light-hearted, open, because it is strong and unafraid, thanks to those who give of themselves to keep it so.
And, we must add, the flag all too often is tattered.
That was the observation of a young womanesses around town. If we see one at all, it is but a blur of red.
Not Carol Branan. She sees every single flag and studies the edges to see if they are straight and true. And when they aren't, during this holiday season, she calls to remind the merchant that if he chooses to fly the flag over his establishment he owes respect to it and all who have borne it.
Some owners ``become a little upset'' and hang up abruptly, she said.
Others listen a minute or two and turn away, politely, as the reporter was about to do; but something in the light, quiet, steady voice stayed the hand on the receiver.
She knows, but can't recall where or how long ago she learned to raise the flag and take it down without touching the ground, illuminate it at night, furl it, fold it, shield it from rain, and, at long last, put it to rest.
``It's our country,'' she said.
She and most of her family are in the military. Her father, Cecil, served in World War II and Korea. Her brother Joseph is in San Diego, aboard the Essex; her sister Lenora is with the Air Force in Guam; her sister Barbara is in Hawaii in the Army Reserve after nine years of active service.
Carol Branan joined in 1986 and the past two years has studied at Norfolk State University for a bachelor's degree and a commission as an ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps. She has one more year to go in school.
``The flag,'' she said, ``represents our country and where we are living and, no matter good or bad, this is America and we love it.''
To her the flag is a living thing. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
LAWRENCE JACKSON/Staff
Carol Branan notices when the flag is flown improperly, and her love
for the symbol impels her to speak out about it.
by CNB