FLAG OF REMEMBRANCE
On the days following September 11, 2001, flags flew from every house, car, and business. Today, the day before Veterans Day, only one solitary flag can be seen from my doorstep. For two blocks, the only visible flags are the ones with fall scenes and football teams.
After September 11, I was told that the terrorist had awoken "The Sleeping Giant." Did the "Sleeping Giant" find comfort in knowing that our military was fighting terrorism on foreign soil? Have we once again allowed ourselves to slip back into that false sense of security in believing that it could never happen again? Has the "Sleeping Giant" decided that there is no longer a need to keep watch? Has that sense of security once again brought complacency to our nation? Has the "Sleeping Giant" once again forgotten how swiftly the enemies of freedom can attack? Has the "Sleeping Giant" forgotten that it is only because of our brave heroes that we are as secure as we are? Have WE forgotten that it is only because of our heroes that we still remain safe and free?
Yes one solitary flag still flutters in the breeze on my street. It hangs from a wooden fence attached to my front porch.
Today I sit in the calm quiet of my back yard. The sun is shining and the leaves are fluttering down. I do not feel the warmth of the sun. I do not hear the rustle of the leaves. I see and hear and feel freedom.
The freedom of a town to continue to live in peace and security, the freedom to hear the church bells chime, to be anything you choose to be, to live where you want, and to worship as you choose, the freedom to fly your flag any day of the year, especially on Veteran's Day. Veterans Day... a day to remember all those who have sacrificed to give us all those freedoms.
May I never forget... never forget to pray for their safety; never forget their families who wait for them to return, never forget the ones who paid the greatest price of all. AND never forget to fly my flag in remembrance of all heroes who have given, and still give.
My flag flutters in the breeze because heroes have sacrificed for me to have the freedom to do so. May I never forget?
I am thankful to my God for each of you that returned home and thankful that he has prepared a place for those who didn't come home. You are all my heroes and as long as my memory remains I will not forget I will not forget any of you and I will not forget those who still remain prisoners in those foreign lands where they are still being held captive.
God richly bless you all who have given of yourselves so unselfishly!