REMEMBER!

Remember me? Some people call me Old Glory, others the Star Spangled

Banner, but whatever they call me, I am your flag; the flag of the United

States Of America. Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might

talk it over with you. I remember some time ago people lining up on both

sides of the street to watch the parade and naturally I was there, proudly

waving in the breeze. When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed

his hat and placed it over his heart. Remember? You, I recall, stood

there as straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat but you were giving

me the right salute. Remember your little sister? Not to be outdone, she

was saluting the same way; her hand over her heart. Remember? What has

happened? I am still the same ol' flag. Oh, I've added a few starssince

you were little, and a lot more blood has been shed since those parades of

long ago. Somehow I don't feel as proud any more. When I come down the

street now, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets. I may get

a small glance, but then you look away. I see children running about and

shouting but they don't seem to know who I am. I saw one man take his hat

off but when he looked around and didn't see anyone else showing respect, he

quickly placed it back on his head. Is it now a sin to be patriotic? Have

people forgotten what I stand for and where I've been? ...Normandy, Omaha

Beach, Pearl Harbor, Guadacanal, Korea, Veitnam, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait...

Take a look at the war memorials and the names listed there. Those are the

names of those who never returned to their families; they died to keep this

Republic free. "One nation under God." When you salute me, You are

saluting them. Don't forget! It won't be long before you see me coming

down your street again. So, when you see me, stand tall, place your hand

over your heart, breath a prayer of thanks and another one for those who

protect your country. Then I'll know you haven't forgotten. Be proud of me

and I'll be proud of you.

Old Glory

Author unknown.

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