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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