"OUR FLAG"

THIRTEEN STRIPES ALTERNATING RED AND WHITE

A BLUE FIELD IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER

FIFTY WHITE STARS  ONE FOR EACH STATE

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS

ONE NATION UNDER GOD WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

As first grader in 1941, I and my classmates learned this pledge.  We recited this statement of allegiance almost everyday during school, at assemblies and at sporting events.

The star spangled banner, and America the Beautiful were also part of my life day after day.

My Military life seemed to be an extension of what I had experienced My early life.

After my Military service and until now, I still get a lump in my throat each time I hear or recite those words.

MAY THOSE WORDS NEVER BE TAKEN AWAY FROM US!

Today I was repaid for my loyalty to our flag and witnessed an unknown persons respect to our flag.  While checking my storage building, I noticed a small plastic American flag taped to a straw.  Someone found it on the ground  scratched and wrinkled and placed it next to my lock.  Thank you whoever you are, for saving that flag and showing the respect it deserved, I carefully stored it in hopes everyone will save our flag one more time

TAKE TIME FOR OUR TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO MADE OUR NATION FREE AND THOSE WHO KEEP IT FREE!

MEMORAL DAY

REMEMBER THOSE WHO FOUGHT TO MAKE US FREE

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae, 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

THE BUDDY POPPY WAS BORN, BUY ONE OR MORE

OBSERVE MEMORIAL DAY

POP