Saturday, January 2, 2010

The Flag!

When we park this RV one of my first tasks is to mount two flags. The US Flag, our Stars and Stripes is first. I always salute it, then I raise the Flag of the US Navy. The Navy is the branch of service in which I spent the most time. I also honor it with a salute. The salute to the USN flag is cursory because of the many good times I enjoyed while serving.
But the salute to the Stars and Stripes is a very serious one, and one of love and honor. I love that flag and the country for which it stands. Every country has its moments of history for which it is not proud. We would like to sweep the dishonorable times under the rug. We have realists who think the bad times should be displayed like a badge of honor. I do not. It is like in a case of personal history, would you like your least honorable moments to be the ones folks remember about you most? Nay, you would appreciate it if your friends who know about it, would put them in the far recesses of their minds. I think we all have at least one incident we would like to forget, whether an action, thought or stupid decision.


So it is with my country. If you are not an American, I would be disappointed in you if you did not love your flag and country. I have known sailors who learned quickly that Brit’s are proud of their country. No matter where the bar, where both US and British sailors are pulling liberty, let one stupid Yank say, “____ the Queen!” The idiot has just purchased a front row seat to the dance, and the ball starts.

(Out my window right now this is what I see!)

As I salute this flag I think of friends and family who did, or were willing to, suffer and die for the cause it stands for, ‘Freedom’. As a marine, I thought of my Brother in Law Lefty, who landed on Iwo Jima (and lived), of a nephew, Ted who served honorably in ‘Nam’.. As a Sailor as ‘Colors were sounded’, I thought of my brother a Gunner’s mate on a DE, and another BIL with three tours in NAM. I have a dear friend in Bagdad. I could name more. (The right or wrong of any war is not my debate nor decision, the men serve where they are sent, God Bless ‘em!).
As I type, I am watching that flag fly, I am proud to be an American and proud of that flag. Let Freedom RING! Don’t tell me I am about to lose it, I won’t believe it, This is my country I will be FREE!
Nite Shipslog
PS:
You won’t hear this anymore!

Go out to the well and draw a bucket of water so I can wash dishes. Don't turn the radio on now, I want the battery to be up when the Grand Ole Opry comes on.
No! I don't have 10 cents for you to go to the show. Do you think money grows on trees?



12 comments:

Woody said...

Great Entry!! *(Attention) *(SALUTE) *(TOO)
I am always glad to see your post of your Home on Wheels, and I always have noticed the Navy Flag, AND I also know you are proud of your tour in the Marines because I can see your Tatoo on your left arm which so Proudly states, U.S.M.C.
SEMPER-FI Jack!

Its cold here, only 10 above which is todays High, getting more snow, Hope you and your Honey are enjoying yourselves!!!!

shirl72 said...

I love Old Glory and I too am proud to be an
American and my Country. When people complain I tell them I will drive them to the bus station anytime they are ready. I love my
Brothers that fought for my Freedom. They are the best. I was so proud when I would see them
in their Sailor Suits. All were handsome.

Love Shirl

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post!!! I am a fiercely proud Canadian, eh? :)
I was wondering about the flags, because I would like to carry one with me too as I travel. The area where I lived before, was so anti-Canadian that there were indeed flag-burning crimes. Most English Canadians were leery of showing their patriotism for fear of some kind of violence. Sad but true. Glad to be able to show my colours without fear now! :)

Jean said...

I'M PROUD TO BE AMERICAN AND LIVE IN THE USA.
It is chilly here today hope you and Sherry are staying warm down your way, take care, jean

betty said...

wonderful post Jack! We do need to be proud of our country and pray for its leaders :)

betty

Helen said...

Love this post Jack. I am glad to be an American and love our flag. A big hand to those who have served in all the Forces and kept America Free.
Helen

Fred Alton said...

Jack - as you know I spent a lot of time living overseas in foreign countries. However, my love and respect for the standard represented by the stars and stripes never waned. I was there to share the message of salvation and of the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. Not every country knows the meaning of freedom. Citizens of some of the countries I served in Africa cannot say anything and everything they want to say. In some cases they live in constant fear of their governments. THANK GOD for the USA and the freedoms we have here. SA - LUTE! I continue to feel a sense of pride (hopefully not the sinful kind) that I served in the United States Coast Guard.

Paula said...

Whoops my finger slipped. I know it is spelled America and I love my country.

LYN said...

HUBBY GOT IN A FIGHT STRAIGHT OUT OF BOOT CAMP WHEN SOMEONE SAID THAT EXACT THING..HE MAY BE IN THE USN BECAUSE OF HIS DUAL PASSPORT BUT HE WAS BORN AND RAISED IN THE UK AND DEFENDS THAT HONOUR...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Anonymous said...

well having spent 20 years in the Army along side of my hubby..was a priviledge we enjoyed..even tho I wasn't the happiest of army campers...we managed to pull off a good life...and we were able to visit places we would never have had the opportunity otherwise...it WAS a good life...and I have been known from time to time to tip a hat or two when the anthem is played and the flag is shown...cause some have no respect...it is a good thing to lay my head down to know that I did my best for God and Country...!!!! hugs to you both from Ora and him in KY ps..we received a box of oranges for Christmas..and nary a one passed the "orange taste"...we sent the box back with a note of our displeasure and let the person who sent itknow that it wasn't a good thing...more update later LOLOL...

Terri said...

Salute!

Our Flag is beautiful isn't it!

I am proud to be an American as well...

God Bless the USA!!!

Hugs
Terri

Anonymous said...

I owe you deep respect.