by Stewart Rusby

Created on: May 25, 2008

MY FLAG, YOUR FLAG, OUR FLAG.

I spent 5 years in the military and when I entered the service our country was a reasonably civil place. We could hang out, explore and visit with relative security.
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When we went to foreign countries we found we had to move about in groups for our own safety. Much of the world was in survival mode and life was not all that thrilling to many cultures so the threat of death was also an end to terror and the risking of death was not as important to them as it was to those of us from the USA.

As we traveled from country to country we were drawn to glimpses of our flag and would be attracted to it. Whenever we saw the flag of our country it meant a sanctuary of freedom and respect and safety for us with protection for our lives and well being. It might be a naval or coast guard or merchant marine vessel, it could be a military installation or it could be an embassy or official US Government location. There was always the flag flying beckoning us to the safety of its protection in the territory it ruled.

When our military conquered a space and took it under its control a flag would be raised and we would all know that whether it was Iwo Jima or Ground Zero our brave troops were claiming or re-claiming the area as under our protection. The images of the flag raising over these locations are especially meaningful to all service members and veterans.

With this background I and millions of my comrades have come to love this flag. It represents to us the love and sanctity and safety of a land we hold dear and will protect to the death as almost a million of my fellow military comrades have done. We gave all that we could and all that was asked of us so that you could live in safety and freedom any where that flag is flown.

We ask just one thing from you. Not for me, but for those who have died to keep that flag in a position to protect you. We ask that you show respect for the flag.
That is all we ask. Fly it during daylight or lighted. Keep it in good condition,
Store it as a good friend. Show it with pride. And when shows wear give it a dignified ending with proper disposal by volunteer veterans organizations.

Yes, I know this is a request for a symbolic gesture, but it is one of the few things my comrades have traded with you for their lives. It is your turn to pay them back and give them something they want from you that is very important to them.

Thank you for your understanding of our love of our flag.

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