REMEMBER ME??? I am ashamed to say, but I am guilty of this myself, but never
again.....
Some people call me Old Glory, others call me 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, because it is
about you and me. I remember some time ago people lined up on both sides of the street to
watch the parade and naturally I was leading every parade, and proudly waving in the
breeze. When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it
against his left shoulder so that his hand was directly over his heart - remember?
And you, I remember you, standing there straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat, but
you were giving the right salute.
Remember little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you with her right
hand over her heart. Remember?
What happened? I'm still the same old 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. But now I don't feel
as proud as I used to. When I come down your street you just stand there with your hands
in your pockets and I may get a small glance and then you look away. Then I see the
children running around and shouting - they don't seem to know who I am.
I saw one man take his hat off then look around. He didn't see anybody else with their
hats off so he quickly put his back on! And what about that night at the ball game, when
they played the "Star Spangled Banner" and I waved so proudly in the breeze, but
no one bothered to sing? Oh, they stood up, all right, as a sort of a mild patriotic
gesture, but then they talked
among themselves about the game and weather, but they did not sing. I felt hurt.
Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I've
been? Anzio, Guadalcanal, Korea, Viet Nam, and the Persian Gulf. Take a look at the
memorial honor rolls sometime of those who never came back, in order to keep this Republic
free: One Nation Under God. When you salute me you are actually saluting them. I may not
be coming down your street for a long time, as it seems that patriotic parades are a thing
of the past. But when I do, will you do me a big favor?
Stand up straight, place your right hand over your heart, and if they play the "Star
Spangled Banner," sing out loud and clear. I will salute you by waving back.
Show me you remember.
I AM YOUR FLAG
~ Author Unknown
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