This cartoon sums up why we proudly fly the flag today and all days......
Today I remember my father 2 Lt. Lewis S Ball who gave his life for our flag, he and his Combat Crew 193 Army Air Corps flight from Nassau to Charleston, SC.....June 20, 1944. Ironically it will be on Father's Day that I will again remember and miss my dad whom I never knew the most.
I consider my Uncle Carl who served with vigor through Europe seeing and living through things he would not share with anyone who was not there, saying only to me, "It was allright if you survived. I was a lucky one." I remember our fallen soldiers who left gaps in hearts.
Fly the flag proudly, beat the drum loudly for somewhere a soldier has given his all .......
I AM YOUR FLAG
I was born June 14, 1777
I am more than just cloth shaped into a design.
I am the refuge of the world's oppressed people.
I am the silent sentinel of Freedom.
I am the emblem of the greatest soverign nation on earth.
I am the inspiration for which American Patriots gave their lives and fortunes.
I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to the bloody ridges of Korea.
I walk in silence with each of your Honored Dead to their final resting place beneath the silent white crosses row upon row.
I have flown through peace and war, strife and prosperity,
And amidst it all, I have been respected.
I AM YOUR FLAG
My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this Glorious Nation.
My white stripes signify the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons.
My blue field is indicative of God's heaven under which I fly.
My stars clustered together unify 50 states as one for God and Country.
"Old Glory" is my nickname and proudly I wave on high.
Honor me, respect me, defend me with your lives and your fortunes.
Never let my enemies tear me down from my lofty position, lest I never return.
Keep alight the fires of patriotism.
Strive earnestly for the spirit of democracy.
Worship Eternal God and keep His Commandments.
And I shall remain the bulwark of peace and freedom
for all mankind.
I AM YOUR FLAG by Thomas E Wicks, Sr.
Hi Pat, "found" your blog following a link from "An Explorer's View of Life (Barry Fraser) and Had to send a comment after reading a bit on your blog. My husband's name is Patrick Morrison! And we are great followers of Priaire Home Companion and Garrison Keillor's Lake Woebegon stores if MN and Lutherans! Also enjoyed reading about your Uncle Carl and the old photos were great - feels like I "knew" he and Aunt Marge through your recollections. it was a wonderful tribute to them both. We are transplanted from the east coast (NJ) and living on the VA eastern shore in a very small town (pop 500). Just got the movie Iris from the library and after reading your review, I know it will be very sad (knew that before, but a personal commentary is more informative). Your RV adventures must be great fun and we have thought of doing that but settle for renting a cabin in a campground...so much more to write and so little time this a.m. We also have a spot in the blogsphere and hope you can drop in for a visit sometime. We are known as "Beatrice" and "Grenville" and you can find us...
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Dorothy (aka Beatrice - not from OZ)
People can't pretend to know sacrifice until they have given up a person in their lives for the sake of country. It has to be hard even now to never had known him. My father served and they said the man that I knew was nothing like the man that he was before the war. It had changed him so much and not positively. Great post. and the flowers are just wonderful down the side of you blog. Sweet bird picture too.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice I cannot seem to reach your blog, please send me a link if you return here; tried to reply to your thoughtful comment by email but it bounced. Would love to hear more from you..
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