My Flag

We all know the history of the American flag. We know its
symbology. White signifies purity and innocence; red signifies
valor and bravery; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and
justice. Each star represents one of the states in the Union .

Driving through my typical American neighborhood, I see that many of
my neighbors fly American flags in their front yards. They fly
their flags to show their support and love of their country. To
them, displaying the flag in their yards is a sign of patriotism.

I do not ever fly or display my flag. My flag is encased in a
triangular shaped wooden box on the top of a bookcase in my living
room. It is easily visible to all who enter my home. Also encased
in this wooden box are the medals my son earned during his service
in the Army and the bullet casings from a salute done at his
funeral. Each of those casings represents a different element
taught in the United States Army: Duty, Honor, Country.

The American flag means many things to many people. Some wrap
themselves in the security of the flag and call
themselves "patriotic". Some people burn the flag in an effort to
show their displeasure with the American government.

These days, the flag carries and entirely different meaning for me.
My flag was my son's last blanket. It covered his wooden coffin,
used to signify that he died in the service of his country. My flag
carries on it tears of sorrow and mourning for the loss of the son
that I will never see again. I followed the colors of my flag in
the funeral procession to my son's last resting place.

While the flag is traditional symbol of our nation for some it is a
symbol of the lies told to families. There are those who like to
believe what our nation does is above reproach. You have to remember
our leaders are just ordinary people that have the same flaws as
anyone else. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Perry Monroe