American Pride

Shortly after the terrorist attacks that hit our nation on 9/11, a surge of patriotism emerged throughout the land. People began to proudly fly the American flag everywhere.  There were flags on cars, flags on homes, flags on hats and flags on dogs.  One of the most moving displays I saw during this time appeared right here in Laguna Beach when a local art gallery in Laguna Canyon projected a large, bold image of the American flag onto the mountainside for everyone to see as they drove in and out of our city at night.  It was beautiful.  And considering the times and circumstances we were facing as a nation, it was breathtaking. But after the war began the flag on the mountainside disappeared. I missed it when it was gone. Seeing that flag at night was a reminder to pray.  A reminder to pray for our nation, for our leaders, for our soldiers, for our freedom and for our safety.

When the friends and loved ones of Mark Metherell began putting flags in their yards in honor of Mark, the memory of that canyon flag immediately came to mind.  Upon inquiring with 7 Degrees art gallery about it I learned they had received negative mail and complaints to a point that It was decided by the City that it was an unapproved display of art and they were forced to stop projecting that flag. But as they listened to the story of Mark Metherell and heard of his character and his service, they decided to see what they could do.  The projector and the flag image were stored away, but if they could retrieve it they said they would fly it again in honor of Mark until after his services, even if they get calls and are once again forced to take it down. 

Last night, Tuesday, I drove by the gallery and there it was – boldly shining on the mountainside.  Proud, large and flying high. 

So if you live in the area of Laguna Beach in southern California where Mark grew up and where his family now lives, drive into Laguna Canyon and look for it on the north face of the mountain across from the Sawdust Festival. It will be there through Sunday night, April 20th.  If you are not able to drive by it for yourself, I’ve posted an image of it below for you to see.

God bless you, Mark.  Thank you.  And God bless every American and non-American who is fighting for truth and justice.  We appreciate you and we regard you with honor.  God is with you. 

Vicki High