LETTERS: HONORING THE FLAG

To the editor:

Remember me? Some people call me Old Glory. Others call me the star-spangled banner. But whatever they call me, I'm your flag, the flag of the United States of America.

Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you.

I remember some time ago people lined up on both sides of the street to watch the parade, and naturally I was leading every parade, proudly waving in the breeze. When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it over his heart. Remember? And you -- I remember you, standing there as straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat, but you were giving the right salute. Remember your little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you, with her right hand over her heart. Remember?

What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I have a few more stars since you were a boy. A lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long ago.

But now I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets, and I may get a small glance. Then you look away. I see the children running around and shouting. They don't seem to know who I am. I saw one man take off his hat and then look around. He didn't see anybody else with theirs off, so he quickly put his hat back on.

Is it a sin to be patriotic any more? Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I have been? Anzio, Korea, Guadalcanal and Vietnam. Take a look at the memorial honor rolls some time of those who never came back to keep the republic free, one nation under God. When you salute me, you are actually saluting them.

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 I'll salute you by waving back. And I'll know that you remembered!

JOHN WILHITE

Cape Girardeau