FLAG DAY: A reader stopped by with an old clipping that seems
pertinent today, Flag Day:

“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 it is about you and me.

“I remember some time ago, people would line up on both sides of
the street to watch the parade, and naturally I was leading
everyone, 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, were standing there, straight as a
soldier. You didn’t have a hat, but you were giving the right
salute. Remember your 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’ve added a
few more stars since you were a boy, and a lot more blood has been
shed since those parades of long ago.

“But now, somehow I don’t feel as proud as I used to feel. When
I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in
your pockets. You may give me a small glance, and then you look
away. I see children running around you shouting; they don’t seem
to know who I am.

“I saw one man take his hat off, then he looked around, and when
he didn’t see anybody else take off his hat, he quickly put his on
again.

“Is it a sin to be patriotic today? Have you forgotten what I
stand for and where I have been? Anzio, Guadalcanal, Korea and
Vietnam!

“Take a look at the memorial honor rolls and see the names of
those patriotic Americans who gave their lives to keep this
republic free. When you salute me, you are actually saluting
them.

“Well, it won’t be long until I’ll be coming down your street
again. So when you see me, please stand straight and place your
hand over your heart, and I’ll know that you remembered. I’ll
salute you by waving back!”