I was at a Mission BBQ when it happened. As I sat down with with a brisket sandwich, the music suddenly stopped and there was an announcement. “Please stand for the National Anthem.
..” Around me, the servers stopped their frenetic activity and stood at attention.
Patrons rose from their seats, hands on their hearts, and faced the American flag hanging from the mock warehouse ceiling. I remained seated. Why is a restaurant asking me to stand for the National Anthem? This is not July 4th.
I am not at a sacred memorial. I am in Roanoke. “Performative crap,” a friend of mine called it, these rote and meaningless gestures in the direction of patriotism from organizations trying capitalize on our love of country.
Mission BBQ is chain of restaurants that are all decorated the same. A half-ton Army truck is parked outside while the indoors is covered with photos of American soldiers throughout history and other military memorabilia. Walking in, I passed a picture of a pre-9/11 World Trade Center.
In the mood for barbecue, I didn’t think much about all this carefully-scripted nostalgia as I walked to the counter. But sitting there, with people around me standing and singing the National Anthem (who were they pledging allegiance to? A company?) it all seemed a little gross. Veterans should be applauded for their service.
But this wasn’t about that; it was about a company wrapping itself in the flag to sell more stuff. Also, your view of the military changes when it’s . Th.
