Our Stars and Stripes Ask: "Do You Remember Me?"

 




Hello, remember me? Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Stars and Stripes; also, I have been referred to as the Star Spangled Banner. But, whatever they call me, I am your flag or as I proudly state, the flag of the United States of America. There is something that has been bothering me, so I thought that I might talk it over with you, because it is about you and me.

I remember sometime ago - I think it was Memorial Day -- people were lined up on both sides of the street to watch the parade. The town's high school band was behind me and naturally I was leading the parade. When your daddy saw me coming along waving in th breeze, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder so that his hand was directly over his heart. Remember?

And you -- I remember you. Standing there as straight as a soldier, you didn't have any hat but you were giving the right salute. They taught you in school to place your hand over your heart. Remember little sister -- not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you. I was very proud as I came down your street. There were some soldiers home on leave and they were standing at attention giving the military ssalute. Ladies as well as men all paying me the reverence I deserve.

Now, I may sound as if I am a little conceited. Well, I am. I have a right to be. Because I represent the finest country in the world, the United States of America. More than one aggressive nation has tried to haul me down but they all felt the fury of this freedom loving country. You know. You had to go overseas nad defend me.

What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I have a couple more stars added since you were a boy. A lot more blood has been shed since the Memorial Day so long ago. Dad is gone now. The old home town has a new look. The last time I came down your street, I saw that some of the old landmarks were gone, but in their place, shining majestically in the sun, were a number of new buildings and homes. Yes sir, the old town sure has changed.

But now, I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets and give me a small glance and then look away. When I think of all the places I've been, Anzio, Guadacanal, Korea, and Vitenam. Then I see the children running around and shouting. They don't seem to know who I am. I saw an old man take his hat off and then look around. He didn't see anybody else with theirs off so he quickly put his back on.

Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? have you forgotten what I stand for? Have you forgotten all the battlefields where men fought and died to keep this nation free? When you salute me, you are actually saluting them.

Take a look at the Memorial Honor Roll sometime. Look at the names of those that never came back. Some of them were friends or relatives of yours, probably went to the same school with them. That's what you are saluting, not me.

Well, it won't be long until I'll be coming down your street again. So, when you see me, stand straight, place your hand over your heart and you'll really see me waving bck -- my salute to you. And I'll know that you remembered.

A Collection of Inspirational Verses