deliriouslove1970. The life & times of Gary and Denise Flanders. (Free and worth every penny. If you would like to compliment the editor, send to garytheflan@deliriouslove1970.com. If you would like to complain, call your mother.)

Along the walls of the main section of the cathedral are flags, being a Vexillologist, flags always catch my attention.

I knew these flags were old but I was unsure why they were so dirty and tattered. I asked the excellent Docent for the story behind them.

Each one of these flags are the actual flag carried into battle by an Irish soldier/sailor. After the battle they are brought to St Patrick’s and hung.

Many of these flags are over 100 years old. Once hung they are never touched again. They become dusty, dirty and the oldest ones begin to deteriorate.

Each morning before the cathedral is open to the public a person walks under each flag and collects any dust, dirt or fabric that has fallen from the flag. The fallen debris is then filed in a special place labeled as that flag.

That is real veneration for a flag.

Next time, don’t just walk by that piece of cloth – realize it means something.