Linda Ellis

THE FADED FLAG

“Why doesn’t grandpa buy a new flag?”
a son asked his mother,
“because his flag is not as bright
or colorful as the others.”

His mother gently answered him.
“though this flag is not brand-new,
it bears very special shades
of red, white and blue.

This faded flag that you see swaying,
with its colors faint and pale
embodies a patriotic spirit
that forever will prevail.

This faded flag is full of history
and it fills our hearts with pride,
a rectangular reflection of freedom
for which so many fought and died.

This faded flag has seen conflict;
this faded flag has seen peace.
This faded flag was raised in honor
during our POW’s release.

This faded flag supported soldiers
who left their children and their wives
because the ideals it represented
they held dearer than their lives

This faded flag has been raised
not just for a holiday or season,
but to show the support of this American
as the one and only reason.

And represented in this faded flag,
though slightly tattered and frayed
is a nation’s cherished liberty,
for which a heavy price was paid.

Son, this faded flag reminds us
how profoundly blessed we’ve been
to have been fortunate enough
to call ourselves, American.

And our dedicated troops
both here and overseas
are honored each time this faded flag
gently ripples in the breeze.”