Velcro Military Patches (tags)
Velcro Military Patches Walked into a convenience store the other day. A soldier in BDUs ( battle dress uniform and that's camouflage to the uninitiated in military customs and procedures ) passed by and I couldn't help but notice that his patches ( name, branch and unit, to say nothing of the national origin like the American flag he wore ) were held on with velcro. I smiled and greeted him. “Good morning, are those patches held on with velcro?” I said. I noticed that his service hat was on in violation of military dress code, inside a building or under cover as he told me that the reason was “ in a war, all the patches are removed” or something to that order. “ Are you guys at war?” I asked. He gave me a look of vague concern “ no” he answered. “ This is troubling for a number of reasons” I told him and he acknowledged in the affirmative, looking me in the eye. Then I noticed that the American flag he had affixed to his velco shoulder patch was upside down. I told him to take care and have a good day. He returned the smile and we continued on to our own ways.
May Day 2007 Los Angeles (tags)
Brief observations and photos of today's May Day Immigrant Rights demonstrations in LA.