Hello, Remember Me?

This was handed out at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon recently and I want to share in case you haven't seen it, or haven't seen it in awhile.

Hello. Remember me? Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Star-Spangled Banner, but whatever you 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 every one, 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 anyone else take off their 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 and the men that have fought for the stars that I carry on my back?  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...One Nation Under God...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.  I'll know that...YOU REMEMBERED

Author Unknown

Thanks to Image West Design and Print of Phoenix, Arizona, for sharing this.