Greeson: How strong are we, Chattanooga?

Jay Greeson

We are Chattanooga Strong.

The way we rebounded and rallied after the attacks of a homegrown terrorist, we proved it to the world.

Now we need to continue to prove it to those who carry the strength of our community around the world.

The Veterans Bridge Flag Initiative is a wonderful program that encourages Chattanooga citizens to donate American flags to fly on the Veterans Bridge in honor of or in memory of servicemen and women.

It started two years ago, and the organizers need our help.

"Donating a flag is simple and so rewarding," Caroline Johnson, the passionate leader of this project, said Wednesday, "When I cross the bridge and see those colors fluttering in the wind, my eyes well up - humility, gratitude and pride, all at once."

For the first time in its short history, the initiative is short of flags.

Short of flags? Not for long.

We are Chattanooga. We are strong and passionate, and while the state wrestles with who gets to use which bathroom and our governor has to decide whether to put his name on a bill making the Bible our state book, we need to remember what makes us great.

Our spirit. Our pride. Our military. These things allow us to bemoan first-world problems like slow Internet access and afternoon commutes up the Ridge Cut.

Our military. Ours. These men and women make the ultimate sacrifice, and heading into May, when we salute our military during Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, we can't let this initiative falter.

That would be Chattanooga Weak.

The idea originated with one man who wanted to celebrate the 100th birthday of his dad, and when met with great ideas the only path is to accept and replicate.

"So we developed the VBFI to make that opportunity possible for everyone," Johnson said. "For $75, a citizen can donate a flag which will fly for six months over the bridge - 30 new flags are raised during a very special ceremony on Armed Forces Day and then again on Veterans Day."

Johnson and Co. added five new positions on the bridge for the Fallen Five from the terrorist attack in July 2015; those flags will always fly.

There is another scheduled flag-raising ceremony on May 20 - the day before Armed Forces Day - at the Sculpture Garden at the Bluff View. For the first time, Johnson and Co. are short of donated flags.

This is an easy way to express gratitude for your freedom.

My check is already on its way to Johnson's group. It may not work into your budget - maybe you want to help the National Cemetery's flag program next month, and that's Chattanooga Strong, too - but find ways to help.

In fact, this is more than finding ways to help; this is finding ways to say thanks.

"The brave men and women who wear the uniform represent the very best of our country, and I am proud that Chattanoogans continue to find ways to honor our veterans," said U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, who was greeting veterans with HonorAir Knoxville at the Air Force Memorial on Wednesday. All told, Corker met with more than 125 veterans from East Tennessee during his stop.

So what say you, Chattanooga? Are we Strong?

I know we're Chattanooga Strong, and I hope we're ready to prove it.

Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343.