I found this in my one folder – an item written in mid-September 2001. It seems like this is the time to post it. The song “Do you Remember” has become one of my favorites. I remember. I want others to do so.
The Ribbon
As I crossed the pedestrian bridge between Strawberry Square and the PA Capitol I saw a small blue patch on the concrete. I passed it but as I was getting near the far side I realized what it was and turned back. I could not allow it to remain there to be destroyed. I bent over and picked it up. Three pieces of ribbon, each about one half inch by three inches, held together by a simple straight pin. Someone had worn it proudly. Somehow it had fallen from its place. I slipped it into my pocket. It was not that I wanted to take it, but there was something evil about letting this red, white and blue object there to be trampled. As I crossed the bridge I realized I had changed. That little representation of our country had become as important to me as any fifteen-foot flag.
It now resides in my dresser drawer, in a box with other items I treasure.
