Volume CXXXIII, Number 7 October 26, 2001 f

After 14 years, a return home

Colin LeCroy, Bowdoin Orient

Editor’s Note: The following anonymous letter arrived via Priority Mail at the Facilities Management Office with the pictured American flag on October 15. The letter was sent from a business address in Seattle.

October 5, 2001

To Whom It May Concern:

No doubt, the recent tragedies that took place in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania have impacted us all in ways we've yet to fully appreciate or imagine. While we did not experience a loss of any immediate family or friends, my family and I continue to grieve for the thousands who did lose something beyond the sense of innocence and freedom we so recently took for granted in the U.S.

The rising wave of unity and togetherness across the country has been inspirational. The undercurrent of patriotism has also been remarkable. In light of this all, the symbolism behind our Nation's flag has returned to prominence for many and taken on a much deeper meaning for others. In that spirit, I am returning this flag to Bowdoin.

After a late evening sporting event hosted by Bowdoin in late 1986 or early 1987, a group of friends and I noticed the school's flag had not been lowered and taken in. In a state of juvenile stupidity, we took that flag and it has been in my keeping since later that year. I assure you the condition you find it in today is the same as when we took it.

I would like to undo a wrong here. This flag had a home. It very well could have a story that for the past 14+ years has gone under appreciated. I feel it is extremely important to return this to your college now so that it may once again be raised where it belongs.

God bless.