The Flag

I bought an American flag at Wally World the other day. I had a little garden flag but every time I looked at it, I felt bad. Yeah, I thought it looked cute but it certainly wasn't big enough. I know buying a flag this doesn't seem like a big deal but it was to me.

I will be the first to admit that up until a few years ago, I didn't respect the flag like I should have. To be honest, I am not sure I even noticed one flying half the time. The flag in my life meant saying the pledge at school, staring at the flag when the Star Bangled Banner was played and if I remembered my hand went over my heart. It is embarrassing for me to say now but it is fact.

After being in the military for a few years, I see the flag in a whole other light. Now when I see a flag I see/think/feel ...

- Ben. And I am reminded he is never coming home.

- I think of Lauren Fenty who at two, has never and will never meet her dad. Her memories of him consist of the gravestone she visit with her mom at Arlington.

- My grandfather. A former Sea Bee. I was lucky enough to meet the men he fought along side at one of their reunions. Their passion for this country came through in their stories. And if they were allowed, I am sure they would have entered the service again in their old age to defend her.

- The ladies sitting in the chapel, where we would go to hear the name of a fallen solider in our unit. And the look on the faces of those who had just heard the name of a friend they loved.

Although, I see a lot of pain and sorrow in the flag I also see another side. I see freedom. When I hear the kids laughing and carrying on down the street, I look out and see their dad chasing them. I know they don't have to run from gun fire, rouge soldiers or bombs. I know I can walk down the street with my dog, without the fear of being beat because I am a women out without my husband.

I see the flag now and am grateful for those who have defended this country, are defending this country and will defend this country.

I don't know what you see/think/feel when you see the flag. I am sure everyone has differing opinions and feelings. Just don't be like the old me and feel nothing. I fly my new flag with a new attitude.

This is my new flag!