I always thought of myself as a patriotic person. Always immediately standing when the National Anthem was about to be played. I would usually put my hands behind my back, or if I was feeling especially "American" that day, I would place my right hand over my heart. I would scan the crowd to see who hadn't taken their hat off, or who was still carrying on a conversation during the tribute & feel a little disappointment in those people. Now that I am the mother of two United States Marines, I look back & feel disappointment in myself for the times when I was younger & might have shown too little respect for our country's anthem, & the flag that represents us. Now however, I'm sure the person next to me must be able to hear my heart pounding at the sound of the notes that lead into our nations most famous song, and the sight of an unfurled red, white & blue flag with its 13 stripes & 50 stars as it blows in the breeze. Now, when I stand for the National Anthem, or the flag of the United States passing by me, I sometimes bite my lip to hold back the tears of pride that come with knowing that both of my sons are members of a long line of hero's who's job it has been for over 200 years to protect our nation & others. It is a reminder of the heroism of our forefathers. A symbol of us all - all of America. It is not a political symbol. It represents the honor, courage & sacrifice of those who struggled to preserve the ideals upon which our country was founded: Freedom, Justice, & Opportunity for all.
A while ago, someone sent me an email titled "He Is Not A Boy", and part of what it said is very fitting to end this particular blog... "He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention. He tempers the burning desire to "square away" those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in & day out, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as those before him, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American fighting man who has kept this country free for over 200 years."
With Memorial Day approaching, I would ask that you stop & think about the level of respect you & your children will give to our National Anthem, or a United States Flag that may pass by you...Semper Fi!
Good To Go,
Proud Mom of TWO United States Marines
