Hello..., REMEMBER ME?
Some people call me “Old Glory” - others call me “The Star Spangle 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 that I might talk it over with you. Because you see, 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 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. 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 others with theirs off, so he put his back on.
And what about that night at the baseball game, when they played the “Star Spangle Banner” and I waved so proudly in the breeze? Nobody bothered to sing. They stood up alright as a mild patriotic gesture-then they talked among themselves about the game and the weather. But they didn’t sing. I felt hurt. Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore?
Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I've been?
Guadalcanal,
Korea,
Vietnam,
Iraq and Afghanistan.
Take a look at the memorial honor rolls sometimes of those who never came back 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, and it seems that patriotic parades are a thing of the past. But when I do, won’t you do me a favor? Stand up straight, place your right hand over your heart-and if they play the Star Spangle Banner-sing out loud and clear, and I’ll salute you by waving back.
SHOW ME THAT YOU REMEMBER!
