Every year on Flag Day, our chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution teams up with our local VFW to retire tattered and worn American flags in the manner appropriate.
June 14th is hardly the best day in southeast Georgia to gather around a small fire. The heat index was 104 already, and the ceremony was held at 10:00 in the morning.
But we come out every year.
So do they.
The ceremony begins with these words, "We have an old friend here who has fulfilled his duty to our country..."
And it ends with this:
I am your flag
I was born on July 14, 1777
I am more than cloth shaped into design
I am the refuge of the world's oppressed people
I am the silent sentinel of Freedom
I am the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on earth
I am the inspiration for which American Patriots gave their lives and fortunes
I have led your sons into battle
from Valley Forge to the blistering desert of the Arabian Peninsula
I walked in silence with each of your honored dead to their final resting place
beneath the silent white crosses
row upon row
I have flown through peace and war,
strife and prosperity,
and admidst it all, I have been respected
Old Glory is my nickname
Proudly, I wave on high
Honor me
Respect me
Defend me with your lives and fortunes
I am your flag
Did you fly your flag today?
11 comments:
I think it's great that you are a part of this. I have always heard of flag burnings but have never been to one.
The heat is horrible, isn't it?
You've brought yet another smile to my face. What is it about white-haired veterans that gets me every time?
I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't *realize* it was Flag Day until I was at work and looked at the calendar. No flag flown at our house yesterday. :(
It's just a darn shame Flag Day is in June. In Georgia, at least. You know, mid-heat-wave.
Debbie.. was nice of you to stop by today and your sweet comment about 'sun damage'.. I'll tell you, mine started as a teen, we all hung out in the sun.. but not in Florida..
I enjoyed your post on Veterans.. I have a few in my family also....(don't we all)
Take care
Sandy
Oh the heat index is just terrible! When will it cool off!
I think it's great the Flag Burning is so ceremonial. I had no idea!
Manuela
I'm a Canadian and have never heard this but it gave me shivers....
Oh, yes, I flew my flag for Flag Day! Love your post! A joy to stop by and visit with you!
Kindly ldh
Thanks Debbie, I didn't realize this is how old flags were retired, and I am so appreciative. The scouts in my area for a fund raiser, ask for a yearly $25.00 donation, and they put a flag on everyone's lawn early in the morning and then gather them up just before dusk. Our neighborhood looks so beautiful. I will try to remember to take some pictures next time they do it. They do it on all holidays. It's a great service. Thanks again for this post.
So cool!!! I don't know, maybe it's living in so. Calif., but I have not heard of a ceremony like this. Naw, we just have kids on the news that get kicked out of school for WEARING the flag in a form of a shirt. Right. I think it's time to move.
xoxo
lynn
So glad I followed this link from another blog!
I have never been to a flag burning ceremony, but I am fascinated! Thanks for sharing this with us.
I'm a fellow DAR member, and I'm with you on respecting and loving the flag and the people who have fought so that it might wave!
XO,
Sheila :-)
We fly our flag proudly!!
And when it isn't flying, it is folded, properly ;)
Our family comes from a LONG line of patriots and soldiers!
We actually are cousins to from General William T. Sherman--(burned Atlanta)--His mother's name was Mary Hoyt-(our last name is Hoyt.)
I have never read "I am Your Flag".
It is beautiful.
Beautiful. We fly our flag proudly!
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