Blogger’s Note:
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate this Independence Day, remember the price of freedom. Our forefathers set us free from a tyrannical government and our men and women in uniform have kept us free for 232 years.
The following is a script for the disposal of an American flag. May these words–from the perspective of the flag herself–encourage you and fire your patriotism anew.
Imagine with me for a second: What if this flag could speak? What would she say to you and me? Here’s what she might say:
“I am an American flag. I am mere cloth, thread, and grommet. But I also have a soul. It is the American Spirit that burns inside of you.
“I am red, and white, and blue. But I am also the colors of our country—the gold fields of wheat, the gray ribbons of highway, the green rolling hills and timberlines, and—yes—the purple mountain’s majesty.
“My sisters and I have flown for longer than 200 years. We have ridden on horseback during cavalry campaigns. We have been raised under gun fire on mountains in the Pacific. We have blanketed coffins vouchsafing the dignity of those that died protecting your freedom. We have whipped atop masts on aircraft carriers. We have mourned at half-mast. We have fluttered in the breeze on lonely cemetery hill tops. We have adorned the shoulders of scouts and soldiers, athletes and airmen. No matter where, we’ve flown under a sky created by Almighty God.
“I have many names. Old Glory. The stars and bars. Freedom’s flag. The stars and stripes. Democracy’s standard. The Star-Spangled Banner. No matter what you call me, I am the flag of the United States of America.
“Soon, I will be retired in the flames before me. A sister flag will take my place waving above a building or in front of a home. When you see her there, will you think of me? Will you remember our time together?
“Some believe that flags shouldn’t be burned, except in protest. I do burn tonight in protest—protest against all dictators and totalitarians who squeeze dignity and freedom from their people. I burn in protest against Marxism, Fascism, and Communism! I burn in protest against cowardly terrorists. I burn in protest against all those who hate freedom.
“So stand up Tigers and Wolves, Bears and Webelos. So stand up Scouts and Tenderfeet, First and Second Class! Rise to your feet, o, Star and Life. Salute, o, Eagle. You! Airmen, soldier, sailor, marine! Remember how you served—here or over there—Coast Guardsman, National Guardsman, and Merchant Marine. And you! Citizen! Rise to your feet as well in respect for the freedoms won by those who served this great land.
“I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. As I burn, may freedom’s light rekindle in you.
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