I read Jeff Jacoby’s Sept. 27 column “Cheap patriotism at the ballpark’’ with interest. Although I agree with most of what he wrote, I do have to say I have an issue with his comment that a “compelled show of patriotism no more belongs at a ballpark than it does in a restaurant.’’ I would suggest that, if he has the chance, he have dinner at the Hyannis Yacht Club on Cape Cod some evening before dusk. That is the time when all diners are asked to rise, and there is silence as we observe colors (the lowering of our American flag) and the firing of a cannon at sunset.

I have yet to see anyone not take part in this celebration. As the lights come back on, more times than not, all sing “God Bless America,’’ as chilling an experience as you will get in a restaurant. It’s a genuine uplifting experience, one that makes you proud to be an American.

In my opinion, we need to make genuine efforts to get this country together as one America, with positive actions and less lip service. This will not happen when we see cheap patriotism at the ballpark.

Kevin F. Early

West Hyannis Port