Recently there has been some discussion about the American Flag. Here are my thoughts from one simple American.Growing up in school I can remember saying the Pledge of Allegiance. It doesn’t stand out as a monumental event. It was just part of life, as natural as playing in the mud or saying grace for supper. We just did it. In school we learned about the birth of America, and the foundational principles that make our country so great. Still, school was basically just school, and while I was glad and proud to be an American, it is really all I had ever known. The flags that dotted the landscape were beautiful, but were at the time, simply flags. That was then.
In 1978 I joined the Fire Department and in 1985 I joined the Army National Guard. It was then the epiphany occurred. As I raised my hand and swore to defend The Constitution of the United States, something changed. I remember being told that someday I might have to die for my flag, and what it stood for. It was a wakeup call. A flag was more than an adornment of the school stage, or an eye catcher at the local hardware store, it was truly THE symbol of principles that are central to what I believe in, and would die for. Many have fallen in service for our country. On May 14, 2006 my cousin Chief Warrant Officer Jamie Weeks was shot down in Iraq. He was given a memorial service befitting the hero he was. Beyond a medal, the only tangible thing the family was given was an American Flag. To see how the flag is handled is to be in awe. It is to witness human hands holding what is sacred. The flag is a symbol of courage, compassion, service and duty. It covers the serviceman’s casket, and it bears witness to his ultimate sacrifice.
On September 11, 2001 our country was reminded that we are at war constantly against those that hate our freedom, and all we stand for. We are also tragically reminded that soldiers are not the only ones that pay a price in this war. Firefighters, Police Officers, Paramedics, and many civilians lost their lives that day. When a Firefighter or Police Officer dies in the line of duty, the casket is covered with the flag. Because of their heroic sacrifice, they are honored. In many ways, flags are flown to pay respect to those who we have lost. It is the ultimate sign of respect and honor one can bestow to another.
Daily at our station we fly the flag. I go to NASCAR, and they honor the flag. Even driving through my city, I see the flags flown at businesses, sometimes miles away because they are so big. But big or small, they are more than fabric, they epitomize the strength, character, courage, resolve, and willingness that ensures our country will survive. When I see disrespect shown to the flag, especially someone that lives under its protection, they don’t just devalue a piece of fabric but they devalue the life of every soldier that has died to protect their freedom. They devalue the life of every Firefighter and Police Officer that has given their life to protect others. They devalue the symbol of the greatest nation on earth.
As I was thinking about writing this post, I drove by the local Harley shop. Normally I would day dream about those beautiful bikes but today was different. Today I thought about that flag and all that it means. I am proud to be an American, 1 nation under God.
