Memorial day in Wisconsin: In Green Bay, patriotism is a seven-letter word

Christopher Reed, a member of the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Green Bay, participated in the 21 Gun Salute during the Memorial Day ceremony held at Fort Howard Memorial Park. (Allison Int-Hout/UW Election Eye)

GREEN BAY, Wisc. — At a Memorial Day ceremony in Green Bay today, patriotism took many forms.

For some people at the event, showing their patriotism meant flying two American flags from the handles of their walkers, or bringing a red, white and blue lawn chair to the event. Others showed off military tattoos on their arms with sleeveless shirts, and more people than I could count touted pristinely preserved garrison caps on their heads.

For one man dressed in military fatigues, the meaning of this patriotism can be described in one word.

“Loyalty,” said Christopher Reed, a member of the Civil Affairs Army who is currently stationed in Green Bay.

Reed, who has served in the military for 12 years, participated in the 21-gun salute with other members of the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion during the ceremony.

He said that, for him, real patriotism means remaining loyal to whatever it is you believe in, or standing up for however you feel.

“It’s the only way I can answer, because for you to be a patriot of anything, you have to have something to believe in,” Reed said.