Yesterday was Flag day, and I carried out my standard activities for the day, which includes watching the film, “The Sand Pebbles.”

I first saw the film as a senior in high school. I remain convinced that it was shown to our English class specifically because I was known to be joining the Navy and the teacher thought that I would enjoy it. For the record, I didn’t “enjoy it.” I loved it.  It is in my top favorite films, and, as I said, it is a Flag Day tradition for me.

This week, as I watched the film  – long ago memorized – I came to a strange realization. If my beloved English teacher (of blessed memory) showed 16 or 17 year old me this film in school today, all hell would break lose…