Every Night by goldie
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Description
Every Night, He Proudly Carries the American Flag
Since the Covid pandemic hit NYC, every night at 7pm to honor our heroic health care workers, Lassana Siby, a porter, proudly carries the American flag around my complex courtyard.
Lassana started the ritual to growing cheers and clapping as a show of support for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the front line. Rain or shine, he emerges 7pm on the dot, the American flag held high overhead as he starts his triumphant lap.
Entering the gate to the green, he pauses in front of each building to sweep the stars and stripes right and left. He circles the courtyard again, sometimes pumping his fist.
The residents root Lassana on, whistling and banging pots. A saxophone player from his terrace joins in playing the national anthem. Every night his audience grows larger and louder, expressing appreciation for his patriotism.
The former professional soccer player even comes in from home on days off just to put on his show.
A native of Africa and one of eight children, Lassana emigrated from Africa to the United States in 2008, starting at my complex two years ago.
“This is a better place,” he says about the United States. “Better than heaven.” Every month he sends money home to his parents and seven brothers and sisters in Africa.
“The flag means hope,” Lassana says. “It means victory. It’s better than any flag in the world. This global crisis is temporary. Nobody has to be sad. We have to stay strong together.”
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Thanks for the view. All of us must take the current situation in stride...let's be patient. Things will get better, we simply have to persevere and do the right things. As I like to say to the impatient, "It's better to be six feet apart than six feet under."
Comments (17)
rhol_figament
Better to be six feet apart, than six feet under. A pandemic rock song, I'm sure there will be a few. Who knew i can just have a few beers, a few javex shooters and everything will be just fine...
ontar1
That is just fantastic!
OmniFX
Amazing, someone not native to our country showing such patriotism. Very cool! United we stand!
bakapo
This is wonderful. Good for him, what a good man. Stay safe, Barb!
Saby55
A person to admire and imitate!!!!!!!! 🇱🇷 👍 Keep staying safe.🙏👍🙋♂️
crender Online Now!
Amazing!
Jean_C
It is for sure that the nurses and all the carers are the heroes of this period, and this ceremony performed by Lassana is a beautiful tribute to their courage and dedication which are not recognized enough in ordinary times, and all over the world!
Thanks for sharing this moment, Barb!
STEVIEUKWONDER
IT'S NICE TO SEE SUCH A KIND GESTURE after so many people have been so selfish during this outbreak! Stay safe Barbara! Why not try jogging on the spot? lol
anahata.c
this is a terrific upload, Barb. For what Lassana does, for the appreciation others show to him (love the shot of him with the flag, and others taking his picture), for how he sends money home to his loved ones in Africa, and for your final very affirming words. Much appreciated! I assume Queens and NYC still have that celebratory shout-out at 7 or 8 pm (we have it at 8): It's so uplifting to hear a whole city cheer medical workers---but also, I think they're cheering all of us, cheering light. You wrote eloquently, in a recent comment in my gallery, about how humans don't often do the right thing, and there are many bad people out there. I agree wholeheartedly...I've often thought that history is our greatest indictment. (that famous santayan quote, those who don't study the past are condemned to repeat it...) But in your gallery, you've been offering celebration and light to balance all that. And Lassana is a wonderful example of celebrating the best in us, even with a mask, and as an immigrant. (not easy to do anything publicly as an immigrant in many countries today, not to mention in Trump's america.) And isn't it nice that there are people waving a flag who aren't using it to pummel other people? Terrific upload. The bright light. I hope you're well, and will always stay well. Take care.
Rtesian
Thank you so very much for giving us this shining light to inspire us. Thank you very much. Our Healthcare workers are the heroes of the moment but in truth Americans are a heroic people (Lassana is our latest example) who when their turn comes, stand and rise to meet the challenge.
It breaks my heart to see us confined and fearful. We cannot live life as if it will kill us. One day it will. Our automobiles kill also and yet none of us hesitate to get in them. A riskless life does not exist. Lassana understands this.
jendellas
What an amazing young man. Lovely photo, thank you.
eekdog
a true patriot he is Barb. I would enjoy seeing him daily doing this. great shot from your balcony I presume. there are so many heroes in this world doing a great job during this pandemic. first responders, health care, people doing the tests. I hear they got to sick that swab way up your nose. yikes, I would sneeze a lot. super photo my friend.
RodS
This....THIS.... Is the kind of thing that gives me - and all of us - hope. God bless this man! This is what means something - much more than certain individuals spouting nonsense.
Great photo and a wonderful story of pride, patriotism, and hope. We will rise above this!
PhthaloBlue
Outstanding story and great image!
linwhite
Immigrants make our country better. This is so uplifting and inspiring. Thanks for that! I hope we will come out of this wiser, less selfish, and more appreciative of many things we took for granted before all of this.
dragongirl
This is such a special post. Thank you so much. ❤️
tyllo Online Now!
Awesome photo! Cool!