Tag: patriotism

Flying colors and patriotism at Alamo Flags.

Alamo Flags in Seaport Village certainly has a few flags!
Alamo Flags in Seaport Village certainly has a few flags!

If you live in San Diego, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Alamo Flags. The cheerful specialty shop near the center of Seaport Village has been known to give away large, beautiful American flags on the Fourth of July.

To express his gratitude for his country, the owner, Mike Ismail,  has created a tradition of presenting Old Glory to lucky shoppers on Independence Day.

Recently, he was recognized for this patriotic tradition by local San Diego Chapter 472 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Should you visit his colorful store, you’ll definitely see plenty of red, white and blue!

Bright flags and banners of every type flutter in the blue San Diego sky.
Bright flags and banners of every type flutter in the blue San Diego sky.
An outdoor passage of brilliant colors.
An outdoor passage of brilliant colors.
Mike Ismail in front of Alamo Flags in Seaport Village.
Mike Ismail in front of Alamo Flags in Seaport Village.
Award above front door from San Diego Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America.
Award above door from San Diego Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America.
Two young men look in window at a huge collection of flag pins.
Two young men check out window display of many flag pins.
A variety of fanciful wind socks dazzles and delights the eye.
A variety of fanciful wind socks dazzles and delights the eye.
Fun gifts shaped like hot air balloons seem to lift off.
Fun gifts shaped like hot air balloons seem to lift off.
Stars and Stripes are a frequent sight.
Stars and Stripes are a frequent sight.
Alamo Flags stands proudly near the center of San Diego's Seaport Village.
Alamo Flags stands proudly near the center of San Diego’s Seaport Village.

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Most patriotic San Diego on the Fourth of July.

Uncle Sam invites passersby into a Gaslamp bar.
Uncle Sam invites passersby into a Gaslamp bar.

San Diego recently made the news as America’s most patriotic city, according to a popular social media network. It doesn’t surprise me. San Diego has more military installations and a higher concentration of veterans than any other city in the United States.

So on the Fourth of July you might expect to see a whole lot of patriotism. You’re right!

Tonight one of the biggest firework displays in the country will take place on San Diego Bay. Right now, people are filtering into the area around the bay to claim viewing spots, have barbeques and picnics, and get themselves ready for the Big Bay Boom, until the number will reach hundreds of thousands.

This afternoon I walked around the Gaslamp and the Embarcadero. Here come some pics!

The streets of San Diego filled with patriotic sights.
The streets of San Diego’s Gaslamp District filled with patriotic sights.
Shop window in the Gaslamp filled with American flags.
Shop window in the Gaslamp filled with American flags.
Friendship and brotherhood on an American pier.
Friendship and brotherhood on the Embarcadero Marina Park South  pier.
Boat decked with Fourth of July bunting.
One of many boats decked with Fourth of July bunting.
The bayfront parks are crowded with tents and celebrating Americans.
The bayfront parks are crowded with tents and celebrating Americans.
Thousands along San Diego Bay enjoy barbeque and play.
Thousands along San Diego Bay enjoy barbeque and play.
People have claimed spots to watch tonight's fireworks on the bay.
People have claimed spots to watch tonight’s fireworks on the bay.
Street performer poses with red, white and blue.
Street performer poses with red, white and blue.
Many in the crowd are wearing patriotic clothing.
Many in the crowd are wearing patriotic clothing.
USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strung with festive colors.
USS Carl Vinson, an active aircraft carrier, strung with festive colors.
A display on the Embarcadero of historic diving equipment.
A display on the Embarcadero of historic diving equipment.
Young man near USS Midway speaks to retired Navy diver.
Young man near USS Midway speaks to retired Navy diver.
Just kicking back on a beautiful Independence Day.
Just kicking back on a sunny San Diego Independence Day.
The Patriot speed boat is fit for the occasion.
The Patriot speed boat is fit for the occasion.
Cool pedicab driver gives a peace sign on Fourth of July.
Cool pedicab driver gives a peace sign on Fourth of July.

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