The Independence Day is around the corner. Yes, you can feel it by observing how people have been putting up the National Flags everywhere....though it's still days away.... Once upon a time, there was a president who suggested to raise the flag (and I'm not talking about banners or such decorations made out of papers) even a week prior to the D-day. This (knowing how smart our people are) may be interpreted as it could be up in the sky for a week with no rest at all....24/7. I don't remember which president it was, but I know for sure it happened after the president Soeharto's era. Things I never forget are that during the President Soeharto's era the Flag was not to be raised unless it was on the National days except at schools and government offices. That it was only to be raised from dawn til dusk. That it wasn't to be raised during night times. That it wasn't to touch the ground at all times. That it wasn't to be used on other purposes (such as decoration in demonstrations). And that it was to be raised half a pole on the day one who was considered a National hero passed away. Seems like the great Red and White Flag has been more appreciated and respected during the president Soeharto's era. Seems like our patriotism has worn out along with the smeared colors of our flag.
