Patriotism & our Flag

M

medic joe

Well-known member
In 5th grade, every morning after attendance was taken. We all stood & faced our flag. Our right hand over our heart. We then said the POL. One morning before we recited the POL. Our Teacher asked us children. "Do any of you know what our Flag stands for?" She paused as we remained silent not sure what she was asking us. She then said, "Our Flag stands for freedom. But just as importantly, it stands for our Veterans service. Those who served, those who fought & died for freedom". Paying the altiment sacrifice. Her words pierced into my Soul. As I thought of those who gave all, for our country & freedoms. I had a new understanding of our Flag.

Fast forward many years later. Two of my brothers enlisted into our armed services. They were combat grunts in Viet Nam & fortunately made it home. They were both altered because of what they had been through & seen. That War ended in 1975. I had 3 yrs during that War I could 've enlisted. I was going to enlist because my brothers did. I told them I was going to enlist. They were strongly against that. They went on to tell me why. So I never did enlist. Regardless, not enlisting nagged at me my entire life. Because I felt & still feel. I'm not a complete Patriot. It still bothers me to this day. I did not serve.

Ending my blather. I thank all of you that have served. You are true Patriots.
 
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Recently, I was at a high school sporting event. Before the game, they played the national anthem. We all stood, faced the flag, and removed our hats while the anthem was playing. Except for the guy in front of me. He stood, but didn't remove his hat and had his phone out, scrolling social media. The guy looked to be about 35 years old. I was PISSED. My wife could tell, and she told me to let it go, cool down. I couldn't do it. As soon as the anthem was over, I leaned out to the guy and told him he was disrespectful. He acted as if I just slapped him, which I admit I was considering. I let him have a pretty good lecture, and when I was done, the people around us said "YES" and "BRAVO." This guy was red-faced but didn't speak to me after the surrounding crowd piped in with support of my little impromptu speech.

However, a couple of rows down, a black lady sat through the anthem. She started telling me she had the right to sit through a racist anthem. I told her that right of hers was paid for by the blood and sacrifice of others. She said if they would play the black national anthem, she would stand. I told her that was bullchit, completely made-up race baiting and promoted more racism. I also reminded her that service members in the US military are made up of all sorts of people- white, black, brown, asian, name it; they are all included. The game started, and things moved on, but I am disgusted by people and the mess this country is in.
 
You guys understand freedom is a blade that cuts both ways right? Do yours, let people do theirs and then your actually supporting what this country was built on. FYI, I take my hat off for the anthem
 
Your right, freedom cuts both ways. They have the right to do what they want and you have the right to tell them what a horses ass they are.
 
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