Remember Me

Some people call me "Old Glory," some call me the "Stars and Strips,"
and the "Star Spangled Banner." But whatever they call me, I am your flag ...
the flag of the United States of America. Something has been bothering
me, so I thought I'd talk it over with you, because it's about you and me.

I remember some time ago, people lined up on both sides of the street to watch
the parades, and naturally I was leading every parade, proudly waving in the
breeze. When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and
placed it against his left shoulder so that his left hand was directly over his heart.

And you! I remember you! Standing there straight as a soldier. You didn't
have a hat, but you were giving the right salute. Remember little sister? Not to be
outdone, she was saluting the same as you with her right hand over her heart.

WHAT HAPPENED?? I'm still the same old flag. I may have a few more stars
than I did when you were little. And a lot more blood has been shed since those
parades of long ago.

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. I may get a small glance from
you, but then you look away. I see children running around shouting ... they don't
seem to know who I am. I saw one man place his hand over his heart, then look
around. He didn't see anybody else doing it, so he quickly put his hand down.

Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have your forgotten what I stand for and
where I've been? Flanders Field .. Anzio .. Normandy .. Midway .. Wake Island ..
Iwo Jima .. Guadalcanal .. Korea .. Vietnam .. Desert Storm .. Samalia .. Iraq.
Take a look at the roll of Medal of Honor recipients and those that never came
back to keep this republic free ... one nation under God. When you salute me,
you are saluting them as well.

It won't be long until I'm coming down your street again. So when you see me,
stand straight, place your right hand over your heart .. and I'll salute you by
waving back.

Then I'll know that you ... REMEMBER ME !!