We have flags for every season, and for special holidays. Pumpkins for autumn, hummingbirds for
Spring, snowmen for winter, and several others. We have an American Flag for Veteran's Day and the Fourth of July.
We put our flag out this morning in preparation for the Fourth of July. The shafts of sunlight were poking through the canopy as I unrolled the Colors.
Before I served in the military, I didn't give much thought to the flag. Of course, I knew the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. I stood at the stadium, removed my hat, and held my hand over my heart when the band played the national anthem, but I never felt a connection until much later when I began to see soldiers returning from the war in Viet Nam in coffins draped with American Flags.
It hit me then. This red, white, and blue flag was more than strips of cloth and thread. It was a symbol of something much bigger than I had imagined.
Sitting here in 2016 in my pajamas typing at my computer, it's easy to forget the sacrifice our forefathers made so that we could have a better life. But I read 1776 by David McCullough a few years ago and discovered that it's a miracle we have a flag of our own to hang on holidays.
Happy Fourth of July weekend.
We put our flag out this morning in preparation for the Fourth of July. The shafts of sunlight were poking through the canopy as I unrolled the Colors.
Before I served in the military, I didn't give much thought to the flag. Of course, I knew the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. I stood at the stadium, removed my hat, and held my hand over my heart when the band played the national anthem, but I never felt a connection until much later when I began to see soldiers returning from the war in Viet Nam in coffins draped with American Flags.
It hit me then. This red, white, and blue flag was more than strips of cloth and thread. It was a symbol of something much bigger than I had imagined.
Sitting here in 2016 in my pajamas typing at my computer, it's easy to forget the sacrifice our forefathers made so that we could have a better life. But I read 1776 by David McCullough a few years ago and discovered that it's a miracle we have a flag of our own to hang on holidays.
Happy Fourth of July weekend.
Mrs. C.s dad was a career Army officer and we honor him by hanging his flag on most Federal holidays. Happy Fourth in advance to you.
ReplyDeleteWe are celebrating our special day today...Canada Day and my dad fought in WW2. We really became a nation during WW1 when we proved ourselves at the battle of the Sommes and Ypres. We should be proud of our country and the sacrifices that have been made so we live in countries that are truly special. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI am in the process of reading 1776 right now. I am learning things I did not know. And I read a lot about the beginnings of our country as well as the Revolutionary War. I would recommend the book. I learned a lot about the flag from my father and his Boy Scouts. I am aware of the care of the flag and am critical of those who do not care for it properly.
ReplyDeleteHave a great 4th under that beautiful flag!!
ReplyDeleteRick:
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend a sweet heart felt soldier’s tribute to the Colors. A pleasure to read. We attended the funeral of a dear friend yesterday, a Korean Vet, My heart beat a little faster seeing OUR Flag draped over his coffin.
Lot of dedication is behind that flag.
Have a great fourth!
It's a grand ole flag for sure. Symbol of what we stand for !
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Patriotism will bring tears to my eyes quicker than anything. Beautiful flag.
ReplyDeleteLisa