Is Your Patriotism Dead?

Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Star Spangled Banner, but whatever you call me, I am your Flag, the Flag of the United States of America. In three days we, who remain steadfastly proud of our National Colors, will celebrate Flag Day 2008.

As your Flag I must tell you that something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you.

I remember some time ago, people lined up on both sides of the street, three, maybe four or more deep, to watch the parade, naturally, I was leading every parade proudly waving in the breeze. When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it over his heart. Remember? And you, I remember you, standing there as straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat, but you were giving the right salute. Remember your sister? Not to be outdone she was saluting the same as you, with her right hand over her heart. Remember?

Nowadays I must ask, what happened? I'm still the same Flag. Oh, I have a few more stars since you were a boy. A lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long ago, that more often than not ended at the cemetery gates.

As I now fly mainly from select buildings, and only a few home/residences, I don't feel as proud as I use to. When I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets; I may get a small glance, then you look away. I see the children running around and shouting. They don't seem to know who I am. I saw one man remove his ballcap, look around, didn't see anyone else remove their caps,so he put his back on.

I have to wonder what happened. Is it now a sin to be patriotic? Have you forgotten what I stand for - and where I've been? Have you heard of Tripoli, Anzio, Korea, Guadacanal, Bataan, Iwo Jima, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Tonkin, Iraq, Afghanistan, and many more, but just wanted to name a few places people died carrying our Colors? If you don't know, ask yourself "Why don't I know about these and other places our Flag has been?" Someone's at fault for causing ignorance of our history.

Have you looked at our Nation's Memorial Honor Rolls, those who never came back, those who gave and those who gave their all to keep this Republic free? One Nation under God, that's what they fought for; the Red, White, and Blue in the hands of our warriors to secure our freedom. When you salute me you're actually saluting them - all of them.

In a few days I'll be coming to your city, perhaps down your street. So, when you see me, please stand proud, and erect, place your right hand over your heart. When I wave back, you will know that I know you remembered Old Glory, the Flag of the United States of America. "Long may it wave..."

I pledge allegiance to the flag

of the United States of America

and to the Republic

for which it stands,

one Nation under God,

indivisible,

with liberty and justice

for all.

Thanks for visiting. - Bob   "God bless America"

P.S. You don't know how much your Flag means to you until you see the enemy desecrate it or you can't ever see it anymore.