| I am your flag ....By James M. Fillmore, SMSgt. (Ret.), USAF [ used with his permission ] I have been kicked, trampled, burned, buried and shot full of holes. I have fought battles, but I prefer the untroubled air of a world at peace. I am your flag. I represent freedom of man and I shall fly high, thundering in silence for the whole world to hear. My gentle rustling in the breeze sounds out the warning to all who would bury me forever that below stands a population dedicated to liberty. For all those who have perished for my right of freedom and flight, those who will die, and indeed, for those who would live, I stand as a symbol of freedom-loving men. I have been carried into battle in faraway lands, always in the cause of freedom. I am bloodstained, torn, and many times wearied and saddened by the thousands who have paid the supreme sacrifice. Tell me the brave have all died for a worthwhile cause. Be proud of what I represent and display me for all to see. Whether you call me “Old Glory,” “Star Spangled Banner,” or “Stars and Stripes,” I shall fly forever as a symbol of freedom as I did for your ancestors and as I shall for your heirs. I am your flag |
| "I Am Your Flag," wriiten in June 1968 I read it in piece in an Ann Landers column. |
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| PRISONERS OF WAR by Dorothy K. Fraley ... [used with her permission] "Prisoner of War" is a phrase That brings to mind visions of men Starving and deprived of rest, Broken down men of valor Chained and caged like animals of the wild, Their only thoughts--escape, or death. But the truth is much uglier, For most "prisoners of war" have never seen The inside of an enemy camp, Were never physically tortured or in cages or chains, And were not deprived of life sustaining nourishment For countless days and nights. No, the ugly truth is that countless men came home On the "Freedom Bird," that coveted vision of hope That meant their long awaited return to "the world." And now, many years later, We find that they are the true "prisoners of war," For they are imprisoned, not by cages or chains, But by memories and visions, by nightmares and dreams That play over and over in their minds Day after countless day, night after endless night, And year after agonizing year, Until they think they will go crazy from the pain That refuses to release them from its grip. Some lucky few have managed to negotiate A kind of "peace treaty" with their past, That enables them to move on with their lives With a minimum of painful intrusion. And sadly, some tortured souls, Unable to stand the pain any longer, Have taken the ultimate path to self-destruction, Finally ending their suicidal journey The only way they knew how-- By self-inflicted death. But countless others remain Trapped in the jungles of their minds, Unable to live even a single day, Where visions of friends cut down too soon Stay hidden from their view. So to you, the true "Prisoners of War," I offer love when you feel unlovable, Friendship, when you feel you have no friends, Trust, when you cannot trust others, Strength, when you are weak, And Comfort, when you are grieving. But most of all, I give my heart to you, As you gave your soul for your country. Welcome Home |
| A special Thank you to all who served ! |
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