Our Flag

I remember the first time I really noticed how beautiful our country’s flag was.  I was serving a mission in a foreign country under military rule; the people were depressed.  I hadn’t seen our flag in almost two years.  One day, my companion, who was new in the country, and I turned a corner in the capital city, and there, flying proudly over the US embassy, was our flag.  It was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen to that point in my life.  I stopped and, with my hand over my heart, sang every patriotic song I knew.  Embarrassed, my companion kept nudging me, trying to get me to stop.  I turned to him with tears on my cheeks and said, “When you’ve been down here as long as I have and come to love these people as much as I do, you’ll understand what she means.”

After I returned, I entered the Army.  My military career spanned 37 years and took me all over the world.  I loved standing at attention every morning at 8 am and every evening at 5 when the post flag was raised and lowered each day.  

Growing up, people flew our country’s flag daily.  They put it out each morning and took it down each night.  Those flags never seemed to be tattered or torn in any way.  Then, something changed.  Flags were allowed to be flown 24/7 if there was a light permanently shining on it.  At first, this seemed to be a great idea.  Many people bought flagpoles and positioned lights to shine on them. 

Unfortunately, this has caused us to become casual and forgetful.  When we had to put it out each morning and take it down each night, we looked at the flag.  If there were any signs of wear, the flag was replaced.  Since we no longer have to handle the flag each day, it seems to have been forgotten.  I see tattered and worn-out flags flying in yards, over businesses, and even public buildings.  What a sad sight it is to see this beautiful emblem of our country disgraced in this way and forgotten.  

I understand that we may not always have the funds to replace the flag once it starts to fray.  It’s better not to display the flag if it’s showing wear than to fly it.  Wait until you can afford to buy a new one; don’t keep flying a tattered one.  It’s so disrespectful to us all.  I know this isn’t anywhere near Memorial Day, Flag Day, or Veterans Day, which is when most people seem to remember her.  But I see a lot of flags out right now whose time has passed.  Let’s remember what the flag stands for regardless of any political affiliation.  All servicemen and women have or are willing to sacrifice their lives for what she represents.  Thanks.

Mike Brignone, Malad