She’s a Grand Old Flag
By Joyce Moseley Pierce

This will be the first Memorial Day in forty years that my uncle won’t be at the cemetery putting flags on the graves.   He passed away in 2005 at the age of 91.   He and his brother both served in WWII; two of his cousins died in the war.  Placing those flags on the graves was very important to him.   

Thinking about that led me to think about my own love for this country.  I am grateful to be an American and give thanks every day for those who have put their lives at risk to assure our freedoms.  I am grateful for parents, wives, husbands and children today who make sacrifices to allow their loved ones to serve.  Freedom comes with a price, and too many times we take our freedoms for granted.

I grew up loving this country.  I remember as a child watching lots of musicals that made me proud to be an American.  This week as I’ve had Memorial Day on my mind, I remembered the James Cagney movie, “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”   My heart swelled with pride for this great land when he performed George M. Cohan’s “She’s a Grand Old Flag.”    At one point the words were "You're a Grand Old Flag," but it's still the same song, either way you choose to sing it.

She’s a grand old flag
She’s a high flying flag
And forever in peace may she wave
She’s the emblem of
The land I love
The home of the free and the brave
Every heart beats true
‘Neath the red, white and blue,
Where there’s never a boast or brave
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the grand old flag

This link will take you to a page where you’ll be reminded of some of the great patriotic music written about America, and can even listen to it on your computer.  Be sure the volume is turned up so you can have your own singalong.  You can even hear Kate Smith sing “God Bless America.”  What a great way to get those patriotic emotions flowing!

http://www.lilesnet.com/patriotic/music/grand_ol_flag.htm

The American flag is truly a great symbol of freedom.  We recently bought one with a pole that stands about 15’ high.  It is with great pride that I raise it on the flagpole each morning and carefully remove it before dark.  Owning a flag pushed me to want to know how to handle it with respect.  In doing my own internet research, I’ve learned a lot.  On Memorial Day, for instance, the flag should be shown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes.   

This Veterans Affairs website has wonderful information on the meaning of Memorial Day, our national cemeteries, and treatment of the flag.   

http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/index.asp

There are rules for displaying the flag, and out of respect for the U.S. flag, you should never:

• dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.
• display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.
• let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise.
• carry it horizontally, but always aloft.
• fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.
• place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.
• use it for holding anything.
• use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations, military personnel, police officers and firefighters.
• use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.

If you have a flag, display it proudly out of respect for this country and for those who have served and sacrificed so that we may enjoy our freedoms.   When the flag is raised, put your right hand over your heart if you're a civilian;  salute if you served in the military. 

Today as you reflect on those heroes who served this country, take time to think about those who are currently serving.  During this time when we are involved in war, it is even more important for us to be united as a nation.   Do all you can to support our men and women who are serving, whether or not you approve of our president or our involvement in this war.  Instead of protesting the war, find  ways to promote peace.  Ben & Jerry's has a great page on their site, 50 Ways to Promote Peace.  http://www.benjerry.com/features/50_ways/50ways.cfm     Spend some time reviewing it with your children.  The list doesn't just apply to world peace, but teaching children how to resolve disputes peacefully at home, at school, and in the neighborhood.

Learning respect for the flag and the United States of America begins at home.  I hope you're teaching your children to love this country through your example.  It all begins at home.

Joyce Moseley Pierce is a freelance author and published in Chicken Soup for the Soul.  Visit www.emersonpublications.com to read more of her articles, to subscribe to the Family First ezine, to learn more about turning everyday expenses into an income.  Joyce’s latest ebook is “Preparedness Awareness” and will help you through the necessary steps to preserve documents in the event of an evacuation.  Yes, even those valuable photos.