Even in the darkness we knew what the sound was.
Off in the distance the snap hooks that hold a flag in place tinkled against the pole when the wind picked up speed.
Having installed a new flagpole this past Canada Day weekend, this noise has become part of farm life. It brings back memories of old Eramosa Public School, when the flag standards there squeaked and tinkled at recess time.
Some may find those sounds annoying, but for us it is a daily reminder that the flag is flying and those little hooks are doing their job. Without them, a flag would have trouble flying.
Last Friday, with the winds taking off the last of the fall leaves, that farm flag was flying strong. The clips were jingling, just hanging on for dear life as the fabric stretched horizontally to the east. It was a beautiful site.
In a few short days, Remembrance Day commemorations will be underway. Flags will be lowered and raised as they do this time of year. Most communities will honour that tradition on Nov. 11 at the 11th hour, as has been the custom for generations.
Integral to that ceremony will be those little clips, hugging the halyard, displaying the flag in its best form. A member of the armed services or Legion will command that rope and raise it to the sky. Without a tight cleat or correctly set clip, the flag will not fly true.
In some small way that represents the challenge of our times as Canadians. Holding strong, doing our part, standing in solidarity (much like our veterans) and being resolute.
Let’s honour this Remembrance Day by doing our part to see Canada remain strong, true and free.
