It’s popping out of the planters.  It’s hanging off porches.  It’s flying high over the school, park, VFW, attached to people’s cars and several backyards.  It’s also right under the “Bridesburg –A Family First Community” signs and displayed in the store windows.  The American flag, colors and dedication to the troops are everywhere. 

The first thing Harry Weimer said when asked what Bridesburg was like was, “It’s very patriotic!” And most people in Bridesburg would have to agree.  “This is their freedom!” Jackie Desanctis, a recreation center worker, explains.  The people of Bridesburg descend from mostly Polish and German immigrants.  When they came here, they had almost nothing.  America is where they came for refuge.  “Sure, they may complain just like anyone about the government, but they love this country.  In Bridesburg, you don’t mess with the flag,” says Desanctis.                

According to The Bridesburg Bulletin, the neighborhood holds the largest Memorial Day Parade in the city.  Bridesburg residents come out in droves for the event, including Sal Couch, a 19-year-old resident whose older brother is serving in Iraq.  “I’ve come to this parade every year since I was little.  It’s a huge event for the community.”  Couch says people are really put in effort to celebrate Memorial Day in Bridesburg. 

This year’s parade was even broadcast over the World Wide Web by Biondo Communications, the company behind Bridesburg’s official community Web site: InBridesburg.com.  

The Web site was relaunched on Memorial Day for the parade, so even some soldiers in Iraq were able to view it. 

Bridesburg resident Paul Radwanski is a proud Vietnam veteran who sports a yellow “Support the Troops” bracelet.  “This country was the place my parents decided to settle.  I was expected to enlist when the Vietnam War began.”  He doesn’t regret the decision and truly appreciates the patriotism expressed in his neighborhood.

The Bridesburg VFW was the second established in the United States.  Formed in 1899, only a location in Chicago is older.  The small, conservative building stands across from the recreation center on Richmond Street.  In addition to a VFW, Bridesburg houses and American Legion and a group called the Bridesburg United Veterans.

Bridesburg is also home to several Confederate flags.  Community members speak out against this display.  “I don’t know why those flags are there.  It makes our community look as though we are racist rednecks.  Most people in Bridesburg don’t support that stupid display,” says Christine Vogel, a 32-year-old resident.  Desanctis says, “We’ve had a problem with some Confederate flags.  That’s not a representation of how the neighborhood feels”

The community seems to unite over the actual American flag.  When the Bridesburg Recreation Center needed to raise money, it began selling patriotic ribbons.  For $3 apiece, residents can support troops, country and the place their children play year round.  Residents have definitely taken advantage.  It is rare to see a home in Bridesburg without some kind of patriotic symbol.

Although the flag is a respected symbol in the community, reminding them of the freedom they have in the United States, Bridesburg residents do not expect wonders out of their government.  Weimer explains, “You can’t depend on the city or the government to make a community like Bridesburg.”  He explains further, it takes a collective effort from the neighborhood to make things happen.  “It is our job to enhance our community.”