Old Glory

Doing what I do almost every morning, a couple of cups of “Joe”, a visit or two to the stoop for a couple of puffs, and the obligatory thumb through of the morning newspapers. Yeah, I still actually read them; when you are old you still like the inky feel rather than the net browse!
This morning something really struck me and got me to thinking. Today marks the start of the Memorial Day Holiday, which for many signals the start of summer and the fun it brings. I found that this week is a great time to shop for bargains. Everything seems to be on sale from couches, computers, barbecue grills, beer, brats, burgers, and buns. Nothing wrong with that, everybody wants a good deal from time to time; myself included. I noticed the public pools will be opening and Americans across our Country will picnic and party and welcome the official start of vacation season.
So what’s the problem you may ask?
May seem small to you but it’s big to me. I did not see one ad or mention of our Nation’s most prominent symbol, the red, white and blue of our American flag. Old Glory waves over every American base in the world, it flies on every American naval vessel, and it adorns every one our planes. In short, wherever our men and women are stationed our flag is ever-present. Our flag is the symbol of a safe and free land we proudly call America.
Truth be told I did not know how many of our brothers and sisters and moms and dads have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. The number is staggering! By most accounts it is set at more than 1.2 million. That’s right 1.2 million!!
Most of our AWY family knows we are about Vets and we will endeavor to help them in any way we can. But this week AWY is about the 1.2 million and the sacrifice they made.
So rather than just buying a couch or a beer or a brat I’d like each of you to consider one more thing.
STARTING TODAY BUY AN AMERICAN FLAG AND LET IT FLY AND PROUDLY WAVE!
Put it in your front yard, tack it to your front door, hang it in your window, dangle it from your picnic table; do whatever necessary so it can be seen by all. Most importantly, do it for the brave men and women who sacrificed the ultimate for each of us. Thank and remember each of them for making our great Country the land of the free and brave. May God bless each of them. Make sure they are not forgotten.

John S. Pike