Parading the Various Forms of Patriotism

“Under a Single Flag” (editorial, March 20) resonated with members of Palisadians for Peace, a group that regularly held antiwar vigils during the U.S. bombing of Iraq. When our town’s “Americanism Committee” initially rejected our bid to participate in last summer’s annual Fourth of July parade, we questioned the charge that we were too political. Weren’t the American Legion and JROTC marching bands political as well? What is democracy without dissent?

After a backroom negotiating session at Mort’s Deli, we won the right to march under a huge “Palisadians for Peace” banner. Though some of us feared we might be shot as we walked down Sunset Boulevard, the crowd cheered and flashed peace signs in solidarity.

Marcy Winograd

Pacific Palisades