I s it okay to be patriotic in Lafayette Square?

We were determined to find out. After pro-Hamas protesters vandalized statues in Lafayette Square, we decided to send a small group to honor a statue. We selected the Andrew Jackson monument, which is especially prominent in the park and was also targeted by BLM demonstrators a few years ago.

The idea was to make a gesture of respect and appreciation where there’s been so much contempt and malice.

So, we had a contingent of young Marines, a bagpiper, and a singer perform a little ceremony — nothing elaborate, just “You’re a Grand Old Flag” on the pipes to march the Marines in, then “God Bless America,” and the classic “Scotland the Brave” to march the Marines out.

You can view it here:

As I said, short, sweet, and patriotic.

Amazingly enough, a park ranger tried to block us from carrying out this quick, unobtrusive, and pro-America event. Never mind that none of the authorities seemed particularly exercised when pro-Hamas demonstrators vandalized the statues, and God knows what else routinely happens in Lafayette Park.

As it turned out, some park police and a Secret Service agent immediately understood what we were doing, appreciated it, and green-lighted it. After some words, the officious park ranger was last seen skulking off.

Thank you to the contingent from the Young Marines Old Dominion Regiment — these kids are tremendous.

Thank you for our piper Joe Brady, who fully embraced this project.

And thank you to the American Veterans Center for making connections and supporting the effort. If I had my way (and if we weren’t distracted by writing and editing), we would do this every time a statue is vandalized or otherwise disrespected anywhere in the United States.

But at least we did right by the suitably impressive Andrew Jackson statue. Happy Fourth, everyone.