Flag Day, June 14, 2008

Tomorrow, June 14th, is Flag Day. I was going to write a little about the history of the flag and Flag Day. However, I found a TREMENDOUS website that covers just about everything you could want to know about the flag of the United States of America. What is not there probably has a link to a site where there is more information. I found this while at work and had to make myself get off the site and get back to my day job.

I encourage you to read the history of the flag and the History of Flag Day. Navigate around and read some of the essays, poems, and speeches. I strongly recommend the essay by J. Ollie Edmunds. Here is the link: Click_here.

When I see the Stars and Stripes fly, it still gives me a chill. I know that may sound corny to some or overly dramatic to others, but it is truly the way I feel. I proudly fly the flag outside my home. I love my country and love the flag that represents it. When I see a flag flying, I see in my mind the picture taken at Iwo Jima. I see the firemen at the wreckage of the World Trade Center buildings.

I feel the pride of a military family that has served our country. My mom’s uncle’s remains have never been found after his plane went down in North Africa in World War II. I have an uncle that was wounded in Vietnam. Both my parents were Marines. When my dad had to accept a medical discharge, he looked to join the CIA. This was at the beginning of the Vietnam War and when the military was beginning to be scorned and looked down upon.

I feel the pain of those who have lost love ones, both throughout history and in the current war against Islamo-Fascism being fought today in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world. I haven’t known anyone personally that has lost their life in the current conflict but I have friends that have lost loved ones. While I regret the loss of every life I also remember that the lost souls are approximately the number that died on the beaches of Normandy, June 6, 1944, D-Day.

What inspires me are the stories I have read or been told of how the Stars and Stripes inspired so many of these willing to give their lives in service to this country.

I honestly feel the pride swell when I see one of the giant flags that often fly along an interstate highway. When the wind is blowing and Old Glory is ruffling, I tend to think, wow, I love this country. Yes, I put my hand on my heart when the flag goes by or I remove my cap. It is an honor and a privilege to salute the symbol of the United States of America.

If any one reads this blog, I encourage you to fly a flag on June 14th, Flag Day. And you might as well fly it again on Sunday, June 15th, as Father’s Day is another day the flag should be flown.

Keep Smilin’!!

© Eddy Seegers 2008