Honoring Our Flag + Those That Served - AR June Challenge

Our American Flag has been a reason for hope. The beauty of the flag is layered deeply in people's emotions. Memoirs, poems, lyrics, and stories have been written about Old Glory. The flag invites us to follow what is good for the sake of lasting freedom. Soldiers have fought with pride for the flag. For those families who lost loved ones, their lives were altered and humbled when their bodies were covered by the American Flag. Respectfully, Flower Mound property owners display their flags and my chosen one for this challenge intro was not far from where I live. 

The Flower Mound Post Office has its pair of Forever Flying Flags. I pass them daily. Prisoners of war lost their dignity but those who survived never lost hope. The survivors of war brought back the gift of peace and hope for Freedom. POW's are still remembered. 

There are many homes in Flower Mound whose homeowners are proud to let their flags wave.  Although the original intent was for war, it is now acceptable to use Old Glory for decoration and holiday display. Between Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and year round you will find an array of flags decorating the homes and streets in Flower Mound. It is nice to see new construction with owners adding Old Glory to their landscape with lights. 

I was reminded of the glass ceiling for women when I passed through the Mall. Brave women fought hard to break through the glass ceiling fighting toe to toe with their peers in combat. One of my proudest moments was meeting Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour, author of Zero to Breakthrough who became a decorated naval aviator, Camp Pendleton's 2001 Female Athlete of the Year and Strongest Warrior Winner. Vernice is a former captain in the United States Marine Corps who flew the SuperCobra attack helicopter in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, serving two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Much of America was built by US honorably discharged soldiers. Those who went into building and construction consistently built authentic and unique architectural designs to the highest standards of quality. Prospective buyers usually begin their buyer's search at model homes where Old Glory is always flying to get attention to help motivate those that who strive to achieve their slice of the American Pie. Below is Julian and his wife and child, recent buyers of mine on 3/11/22. He is still active Military serving our country. Every time a Vet buys a home, I bow my head and ask for their protection including their family. Let there be Peace on earth and let it begin with me...

My local business includes McKinney. Below is one of my favorite photos! A few years ago, I passed an old fashioned Barber Shop. It was a breezy summer day. The barbers were busy taking care of customers. I popped my head in and we chatted. They allowed me to take their photograph. We talked about America, business, and swapped war stories. They were really good guys and funny too! 

Flower Mound has some very beautiful homes and lovely homeowners. Whenever I pass a house with an American Flag I view each one as a versatile living thing breathing in a soldier's last breath and I am moved to tears. A soldier's job is meticulous. It can't be any other way. 

I cannot think of anything a soldier who comes home after his tour of duty wants more than to go home and/or to have their own Dream Home. No one is more deserving than a Veteran to buy with zero money down. For three years I sent airmail letters to my spouse (before we married) serving in Vietnam. He wrote back telling me about his life in the jungle, what it was like to be in a monsoon, or how lucky he was taking bullets and catching shrapnel wounds without being sent back home in a body bag. He counted the days to come home, and my letters gave him hope. If I was a fairy godmother, I would make sure every single Veteran could have a home of their choice with zero money down and no payments ever, or at least, for the number of days they served. I am proud to say, I never saw a home owned by a Veteran in disrepair or negligence. They are the hardest, most meticulous people on earth who pays attention to details. 

Lights! Flag! Camera! Action! I love to see the flags blow in the wind. Red, White, and Blue is such a good color combination. It goes with everything. A flag out front near the road is a good landmark too. Whenever I see a nice home with Old Glory, I automatically think about respect and kindness to others and what a gift it is to those who pass by to reflect on the beauty of our American Flag. This is one of many homes that display Old Glory throughout Flower Mound.

Flower Mound does an excellent job paying tribute to those who served, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their Country. Many in the fire department, police, and first responders are former military. The photos below are local men and women who served and did not come home alive. Their faces fill the halls of the Flower Mound Senior's In Motion building. The building has classrooms and rooms for seniors to dance, play cards, bingo, shoot pool, exercise rooms, and large enough rooms to gather for lunch or entertainment. Every door I passed was draped with the American Flag and walls were decorated with patriotism or behind glass curio cabinets. Last Thursday, I stopped by to play cards with the seniors. The group was large. Women outnumbered the men and the majority of men had military caps upon their heads from every branch in the Military. These are just a few photos of the men and women who served and never came back home to Flower Mound where they had their humble beginnings. We remember them fondly. Seniors in Flower Mound pay tribute to those that served 365 days in a year. 

I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the

Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I

will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of

the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed ...

With special gratitude for all who served and fought in wars, including my immediate family: Grandfather, WW1, US ARMY (1917-1918 plus 6 additional years in Army National Guard), Father WW11, US NAVY 1943-1946, Spouse, US Army, Korea & Vietnam (1967-1970 plus 3 additional years in Army Reserves), Nephew Nick, US Navy, Iraq (2003-2007), Nephew Shaun, Air Force Medical Corps, Afghanistan (2002-2008)), including those who served and are now members of ActiveRain, my community who served in all the places I have lived. Special thanks to those families who felt abandoned & betrayed by how things ended in Afghanistan. 

On Independence Day, let us never forget somewhere out in the darkness, sand, and dust active Military are serving our country. They want, what many people sadly take for granted, liberty and freedom for all. At one time, these soldiers did what most kids do, they played ball, built things with Legos, set off firecrackers, licked an ice cream cone, learn how to tie their shoes, played outside, made friends, and learned how to fix a flat tire on their bicycles. We must never forget their sacrifices. This is my bonus entry for the June Challenge hosted by Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho and Endre Barath, Jr.