This morning I visited String to Short to Tie. My friend Vanilla has a salute to Flag Day there today, and it triggered some thoughts.
I first thought of the feeling of pride I have for my nation. I’m talking about the republic for which our flag stands. Founded through fire and forged upon the anvil. A nation based on the firm conviction that all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.
I thought also of ancestors who paid the price beneath that flag to purchase and protect the freedom that this nation affords.
I remembered how I felt upon returning to the states after three years absence. The celebrations of our bicentennial were just beginning and the flag was on prominent display. That was so precious to Sylvia and to me. No longer would we be required to fly a foreign flag in our window on that nation’s holidays. No longer would police drive by to see that the alien flag was on display as required.
I especially thought of my father, a WWII veteran. Dad had a flag pole near the front door of his house. Every day he would raise the flag in the morning and take it down in the evening. I have the flag that adorned his coffin. It is still folded as it was when the honor guard removed it on that day.
Is the flag special to you?
Thanks for the nod; but more importantly, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Old Glory– long may she wave!
When they put flags on the graves of vets in the cemetery and with lots of red geraniums it's so beautiful. I haven't gotten a good pic yet, but it can take my breath away.
Founded on a conviction that all WHITE men (and not women)were created equal. It took time for it to grow and change as all things must. And it is still getting there on the equality front – speaking from the non white male side of the table….
But yes, it is a country that is best and I wouldn't be a goat anywhere else.
Your experience abroad sounds like my husband's, when he lived in Iran during the Bicentennial. His dad was in the air force during that time, and it was very difficult to be in Iran then.