I AM YOUR FLAG
Hi! Remember Me? Some people call me Old
Glory, others the Stars and
Stripes. Also, I have been referred to as the Star Spangled Banner. But whatever
they call me, I am your flag. I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation
on earth.
There
is something that has been bothering me lately and I thought that we might talk
it over because it is about "you and me".
Remember the first time we met? There was a 4th of July Parade many years
ago. I was leading the parade down Main Street. I remember how proud I felt that
day because everyone made me feel that way. Patriotism was very strong that day
and you could feel it in the air. Even from a block away I could see you sitting
high on your Dad's shoulders. I could see your broad smile and as I got closer I
could actually see my stars and stripes sparkling in your eyes. I could see that
you were proud. And as I approached, your Dad sat you down, immediately removed
his hat and placed it across his left shoulder so his hand was across his heart.
REMEMBER ?
And you and your little sister, you both had your hands pressed so firmly over
your hearts. I couldn't help but swell with pride as I waved in the breeze. Yes,
that was a very proud day for me. With everyone paying me the reverence I
deserve.
Maybe I sound a little conceited. Well, I am. I have a right to be. I represent
the United States of America. More than one aggressive nation as tried to haul
me down. But they've all felt the fury of this freedom loving nation.
But something is different now. Something has changed. I don't feel as proud as
I used to. What's happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I have added a
couple of more stars and a lot more blood has been shed to defend me since that
4th of July parade of long ago.
Dad is gone now and the old hometown has a new look. The last time I came down
your street I didn't feel as proud. You just stood there with your hands in your
pockets and gave me a small glance and then looked away. I saw children running
around and shouting. They didn't seem to know who I am. I saw an old man take
his hat off and look around. He didn't see anyone else with theirs off so he
quickly put his back on.
Is
it a sin to be patriotic? The other day on bases I was being lowered from my
lofty perch as our national anthem was being played. I saw several people
standing tall and giving the proper salute. They were proud. But then I saw
several others in uniform come out of a building, looked at what was happening
and turned and ran back inside. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Brothers
of those who had given their lives to defend this country were running away as
if they were ashamed of me.
I
saw several other men and women not in uniform. They were walking and
talking. One of them wore my colors on his shirt and if you can believe one wore
my stars and stripes as a patch for the seat of her jeans. They didn't seem to
know who I am.
They didn't seem to know what I stand for. They don't seem to know how many
brave men and women have fought for the freedoms they now enjoy. They don't seem
to know how many selfless Americans have made sacrifices for that which they
seemingly take for granted today.
When you salute me, you're saluting our disabled veterans. You're saluting the
brave men who gave their lives in the rescue attempt in Iran. Those still
missing in action and those who never came back from the fight to keep the
country free. When you salute me, you are saluting all of them. You are saluting
those principles which have made the United States of America the greatest
nation on earth. You are saluting the technology and courage that took man to
the moon. You are saluting a man who had a dream that people of all races and
creeds could live together as Brothers. You are saluting those who asked
not what their country can do for them but what they can do for their country.
I don't think the others mean to be disrespectful. They just need your help to
reaffirm these things. They need your help to realize who I am and what I stand
for. That I am the flag. I am the symbol of freedom. I am the emblem of the
greatest nation in the history of the world. I have led your sons into battle
from Lexington to Viet Nam. I have covered your honored dead under silent white
crosses row upon row.
"I
AM THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER."
Honor me, respect me, if necessary defend me with your lives. Never let our
enemies tear me down for I may not return. Keep alight the fires of
patriotism. Strive earnestly for the spirit of democracy. And I shall remain the
bulwark of peace and freedom for all man kind.
I
am not just a scrap of cloth.
I
am your flag and I'm still proud of you.
Because, I,,,DO
remember.
FROM THE INTERNET . . .
THANKS JOEL
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