It only takes a moment

I had a hectic afternoon. I had a doctors appointment and was running later than usual to pick up the girls. I normally park up at the school early, so I can walk up and not have to sit in the long line of cars. Yes I can be impatient! Since I was running behind the line had already gotten backed up. I sat near the entrance two car lengths from being able to park. I was a little antsy, but I remained patient.

I watched as the kids started piling out of school, of course the line was not moving. It always takes awhile to get those first few cars filled and moving. So as I sat there I noticed the Safety Patrols on their way out to take down the flags as they do every day. I watched the girls as they did their daily duty and were careful not to let the flag touch the ground. I felt a sense of pride that we still teach our kids to respect the flag, and what it represents.

Then in the background I noticed a man in Army camouflage pause as they folded the flag, other parents kept rushing by and even his young son questioned "why did you stop daddy?" His dad asked him to be still for a moment and he would explain. My eyes filled with tears and my heart with pride as these are the members of our military. The ones who still know how important each of those stars and stripes are. Don't get me wrong I know there are people who are patriotic but not many who will show that kind of respect for "Old Glory."

I drive almost daily down a nearby road and on that road there is a old, sad, torn, and tattered flag. As a matter of fact it barely looks like a flag anymore. I look at it and wonder how the people who live in the house can let it hang there. The colors are so faded their are barely seen. Do they even know there are guidelines to flying a flag? It would seem if you have enough respect to fly it, you would have enough to take care of it and show how proud you are to fly it. For those of you who might not know here are just a few guidlines to flying a flag

The flag should never be allowed to touch the ground and, if flown at night, must be illuminated. If the edges become tattered through wear, the flag should be repaired or replaced. When a flag is so tattered that it can no longer serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. The American Legion and other organizations regularly conduct flag-burning ceremonies, often on Flag Day, June 14. It is a common myth that if a flag touches the ground or becomes soiled, it must be burned as well. While a flag that is currently touching the ground and a soiled flag are unfit for display, neither situation is permanent and thus the flag does not need to be burned if the unfit situation is remedied.

Why do you think these guidelines were put forth by our forefathers? I believe they wanted people for generations to come to realize the blessings God has bestowed upon this country. From the first colonies who fought for freedom of religion, to come to a new place, and build a country where our freedom's are limitless. It only takes a moment for us to see something as simple as a service member in uniform to remind us of our freedom, but it takes an action like them showing respect that we don't often see to make us think about our own actions. All to often we get caught up in everyday life, to think about how blessed we are. To think about those who gave so much for our country and to those who still do to this day.

I believe the Flag still speaks volumes today about how far our country has come and it deserves the respect it was intended to have.

I can only imagine what the father told his son as they walked away, but I am sure it was a conversation that the son will take with him. Because even when we don't think they are listening they are, and even when we don't think they are watching, they are.

I know I was!