HELLO . . . REMEMBER ME?

Some people call me Old Glory, others call me 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 might
talk it over with you -- because you see it is about
you and me.



I remember some time ago people lined up on both sides
of the street to watch a parade 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
hand was directly over his heart ... remember?

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 ... remember?



What happened?  I'm still the same old flag.  Oh, I have
a few more stars since you were a boy.  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 and then you
look away.  I see the children running around and
shouting they don't seem to know who I am.  I saw one
man take his hat off, then look around.  He didn't
see others with theirs off so he quickly put his back on.



And what about that night at the baseball game?  When
they played the Star Spangled Banner and I waved so
proudly in the breeze -- nobody bothered to sing.  They
stood up alright as a sort of mild patriotic gesture but
then they talked among themselves about the game and
the weather. But they didn't sing; I felt hurt.



Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore?  Have you forgotten
what I stand for and where I've been -- Anzio,
Guadalcanal, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the
many countries where our Armed Forces have been 
stationed as Peace Keepers.  Take a look at the Memorial
Honor Rolls sometime, of those who never came back
to keep this Republic free.  When you salute me, you
are actually saluting them.  One Nation Under God.



I may not be coming down your street for a long time.
It seems that patriotic parades are a thing of the past.
But when I do, won't you do me a favor?  Stand up
straight-- place your right hand over your heart
-- and if they play the Star Spangled Banner, sing
out loud and clear. I'll salute you by waving back.
Show me that you remember!



FLY YOUR FLAG ON MEMORIAL DAY