Through March 27-29, students had the chance to attend “Flags,” an amazing and moving play presented by the ETSU Patchwork Players.
Jane Martin created the tragic story that follows an American family dealing with the loss of their son in the Iraqi war. Martin poses a family that deals with many everyday problems like drinking, drugs and theft. When the family is expecting their son, Carter, home they soon find out he must stay in Iraq for three more months. A few days later they have the dreaded visit from the army who informs the family of their son’s death.
Martin, as well as the performers, did an amazing job at capturing the emotions that would be felt if they had actually been through the loss of a family member from war. The dancing, the music and the use of lights presented the perfect setting and presentation.
Martin also created a slideshow that was used in “Flags.” It showed pictures from the current war going on and really helped the audience fall into the emotions of the performers.
“Flags” also had scenes that showed how the news may cover stories about the war and inform others that a few soldiers were killed that day, but Martin also showed that the news does not show the real feelings and troubles that those families are going through.
There are many who do not agree with the war and do not stand behind it, which is fine. But when it comes down to it, every American should realize that the soldiers that are fighting have personally volunteered to do so.
And with that, these soldiers are putting their own lives on the line everyday to protect America and all of its people. So those who feel strongly against the war, like the father in “Flags,” should try to form a new perspective on it.
I am not saying the war is right in every implication but when it comes to forgiveness and respect, every American should respect it because they should respect those fighting.
No one can really grasp all of the emotions felt by a family after losing someone, but “Flags” definitely did a wonderful job at trying to capture those emotions and help the audience understand what all a family may go through.
This play was certainly the most moving play I have attended at ETSU.
During one part of “Flags,” there was a line that said “all fate is accident.” I am not sure whether many agree or disagree with this statement, but it is certainly something to think about.
I always thought of fate as something that cannot be escaped. If the son’s death was fate, then it is also saying his death was an accident. But really his death was fate because it was meant to happen.
There is no way of knowing the fate of those around us and those soldiers who fight for us, but either way there should always be support for those fighting for our country.

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