I find the notion of anything flying to be very cool, since I myself do not fly. But the notion of flying colors is especially groovy because well, colors duh.
Being triumphant or successful means that we came through “with flying colors”, a homage to ships returning from a great sea battle. Flags raised and unfurled meant a successful campaign or mission; flags lowered (“struck”) implying a loss or failure, accompanied by much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Of course we can also show our “true colors” and feel free to sing along with Cyndi Lauper.
…So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow…
I remember once walking out the main gate of the Army base I worked at in Hawaii. It was the end of a long day (“pau hana time”), and I think they play the bugle call “retreat” around 5pm. It is tradition to ‘face the colors’ – the flag – to show respect. Anyway there I am walking along, lost in thought, oblivious to the goings on around me, when I become aware of an angry voice yelling at me.
“You’re supposed to salute the flag!”, he yells, “not keep on walking”.
I slowly come to a halt and turn toward him with what I hope was a face devoid of expression as if he had not spoken at all. I am not a person who seeks confrontation. I had apparently violated a code of conduct and he was there to provide a lesson in the optics of patriotism to this poor schlub (me). I say optics because I have always believed that a patriot is characterized by so much more than respect to a flag, in the same way that attending church does not necessarily make one a Christian/believer, although such symbols might coincide with acts.
Instead, by your deeds you shall be known, with flying colors I hope.
whoisfenton 