Remember Me?
Banner, but whatever they call me, I am your Flag the Flag
of the United States of America. There has been something
that has been bothering me, so I thought that I might talk it
over with you here today.
I remember some time ago, (I think it was Memorial Day, or
was it Veterans Day?) that people were lined up on both sides
of the street for a parade. A high school band was behind me
and, naturally, I was leading the parade. When your Daddy
saw me coming along waving in the breeze, he immediately
removed his hat and placed it so that his right hand was
directly over his heart.
And you, I remember you.
Standing there as straight as a soldier, you didn't have any
hat, but you were giving me the right salute. Remember, they
taught you in school to place your right hand over your heart,
and little sister, not to be outdone, was saluting the same as you.
There were some soldiers home on leave and they were standing
at attention giving the military salute. Oh, I was very proud as
I came down your street that day.
Now, I may sound as if I am a little conceited, Well I am!
I have a right to be, because I represent you,
the people of the United States of America.
But what happened? I am still the same old flag. Oh, I have a
couple more stars added since you were a boy. A lot more stars
added since the beginning of this country, and and lot more
blood shed since that patroitic day so long ago.
Now I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down
your street, some people just stand there with their hands in
their pockets and give me a small glance and then look away.
I see children running around and shouting. They don't seem
to know who I am.
Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have some people forgotten
what I stand for? Have they forgotten all the battlefields where
men have fought and died to keep this nation free? When you
salute me you are actually saluting them!
Take a look at the memorial rolls some time. Look at the names
of those who never came back. Some of them were friends and
relatives of yours. That's whom you are saluting, not me!
Well, it won't be long until I'll be coming down your street again.
So, when you see me, stand straight, place your hand over your
heart and you'll see me waving back, that's my salute to you.
And then I will know you remember who I am.
