Retirement of the Flag

ezearln · 01-29-2008, 10:00 PM

The other day up at the Missus and I's beloved "Hill" we retired a flag that had flown over our property for some time. We had lit a fire of native woods and gently folded the symbol of the nation I have served for so long. I spoke a eulogy and a prayer, I commended the flag and honored its service to the ideals of our nation and commented on what it represented to we as a nation, then quietly and with reverence we laid the flag upon a pyre meant only for it and let it's ashes consecrate our beloved part of Texas and America. I reverently respect all the flag represents and what we all hold dear because of those heros of all colors and both genders have given freely and unashamedly to ensure her survival who came before me and after that private, quiet and honorable retirement I once again in my heart swore that if my hand could forestall it this nation "Shall not perish from the Earth" Then my wife and I with honor and respect raised a new Union Jack over our little slice of heaven just because it was and is the right thing to do! Once more I assert I AM an American fighting man and I shall never ever foresake my oath!
God Bless America and ALL her people!
No I am no one of particular power or influence I am merely an older retired Sailor, and combat instructor but what I am is far greater than Who I am...
"I am an American Fighting man and I am such of my own free will and I shall defend my nation and MY constituition until our enemy takes the last breath from my body and those that desecrate the symbol of my nation do so at their own peril!

bigbuddy21 · 01-29-2008, 10:05 PM

I WISH WE HAD MORE LIKE YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THIS GREAT NATION. SIR I SALUTE YOU

two-70 · 01-29-2008, 10:15 PM

God Bless You Sir

The_Patriot · 01-29-2008, 10:24 PM

Very inspirational.

My grandfather and both of his brothers were in WWII and had that attitude towards the colors. I have it because I was in the Air Force 20 years and saw the flag as THE symbol of our power and freedom. You just don't see many people out there in general society that have that kind of respect for anything anymore, let alone our flag. Many have contempt for it. It's sad.

This thread should serve as a reminder to keep eye over wherever you're from. Vegas gets very windy from time to time and I have made many calls to businesses about their frayed flags. Many just don't have a clue about Public Law and the flag. Once explained, they are usually quick to replace them. I ask them to ensure the old ones get to the VA for proper destruction, but don't know if they do. I should follow up more, but it had been taking too much time out of an already busy life.

At any rate, thanks for the reminder. And thanks for treating the flag with the respect it merits.

Dale · 01-29-2008, 10:34 PM

You are an excellent example of patriotism.

I commend you!

SALUTE!

jeff45 · 01-29-2008, 10:52 PM

I would like to thank all those that serve or have served our great country. I tried to serve and follow in my father's footsteps. I was enlisted in the DEP waiting to graduate from HS. I broke my ankle and needed some screws. The saddest day in my life was the day I found out that I couldn't serve my beloved country. My father is a disabled veteran. I often go down to the DAV hall and give the guys there a hand. I heard a qoute from somebody on TV and it struck me as the truth. "everybody says america is at war, america isn't at war. the armed forces are at war, the rest of america is at home wathcing american idol." those words couldn't be more true. When you fall asleep tonight remember that the only reason you fall asleep under the protection of OUR flag is because of brave people like ezearln, my father, and the millions of other great, heroic people gave 110%. Those people did it so you could have the freedoms that you have today.
I flew to see a good friend of mine graduate from AF basic in lackland. In the airport on the way there I saw a marine hugging his wife and children goodbye. They were both crying and it was a pretty sad site to see. I was on the same flight as him. As luck had it he sat next to me. We got to talking and I thanked him, shook his hand and we both went our seperate ways. If you get a chance thank a veteran. They diserve much more then our thanks.
Jeff

ArkansasHunter · 01-29-2008, 10:56 PM

God Bless you Earl and Thank you Sir !

ezearln · 01-29-2008, 11:27 PM

Indeed there are many who have no idea what the cost of our freedom entails, the names of the fallen sadly drift into obscurity and fog. Let us not forget that the cost of our freedoms, our ability to agree to disagree our right in most respects to live as we choose to live, however those freedoms have come at a terrible price paid for in blood and yet there are those that dismiss it as not important and I say to them and to all what price "Freedom" what do we forego, what do we surrender, what do we sacrifice upon the alter of peace. Our sovereignity? Our right to be free? Our self determination? Or do we say ENOUGH! and decide for our selves what it right and just as a nation, We are and rightfully should be a nation known as a melting pot of cultures each enriching and supporting the other, each lifting up and guarding the rights of those whom we may or may not agree with? . We are and always have been a nation blessed with diversity and intellect beyond our due measure, what means this to us is that this nation is Blessed with the brightest and most innovative minds in all the world!!!! Why because of FREEDOM!!! Yet let us not forget it was paid for in blood and heartache and let us never ever forget the sacrifices of those before us, those brave souls who gave all that America shall be free!!

Why oh why didn't ol warhorses like me and other of MY genration not have to battle this foe as our young warriors have??? Why so many of us have prepared for comflict and prayed it would never come, and yet here once again here we looking upon an implacable foe.

We wish only for peace and tolerance and we pray formost and always for the safety and welfare of all and desire only their growth in this troubked region

jeff45 even though you may never see combat that DOES NOT mean you aren't serving your country and the comarades who are directly in harms way. It is a measure of a person of what they are willing to sacrifice for what they hold dear, that does not mean you need stand up along a combat line in some for many too soon forgotten battlefield but more importantly that you hold close to your breast that which is sacred to most Americans whom have paid all or some of the price of freedom. What is that Jeff?
That this Nation Shall NOT perish from the face of the earth!!!.
My friends as long as there are those who subscibe and adhere to a higher ideal, there is not a shred of fear of death, we are and always shall be so long as there be patriots there shall never ever be a silent america. We are and have been and will continue to be what the world aspires to, let us as a free people aspire to that which is just and right without hatred or predjudice or pre-conceived notions or beliefs. Let us as a free and just people accept and integrate our new brothers and sisters, In doing so we only strenghten that which we hold so dear. Hatred isn't the way, ignorence isn't the way, intolorence isn't the way, death and murder isn't the way. Love, peace, understanding and tolerance is the way. Can we do less than open our arms to those yearning for peace and freedom? Can we do less than present a wall of adamant denial to those who advocate violence as the only means to further their agenda! No we cannot and as a former member of our military I understand it is a knifes edge to walk, yet it is essential we do so!
Still as I rant here I feel a need to tell those here you needn't serve along some battlefield, you needn't have suffered the effects of a roadside bomb or ambush and the damage your body sustained in defence of our liberty and security and I wish with all my heart it hadn't been you, but me. I served perhaps before I was was truly needed, but I and others of like mind stood ready day and night to defend what we all held dear and if it means a lick to you we those of us who served we do understand and we do with reverence, and deep respect honor those who have fallen and those whom to this day suffer after paying the price of freedom. To those that have ears to hear and patience to understand learn this beyond all else... "Freedom isn't free, our way of life and the everydays freedoms we take ever so much for granted were paid for in blood and death, sacrifice and pain lest we ever forget we as free Americans have not only a duty but a sacred obligation to pass to our children what our foefathers struggled so valiantly to achieve". FREEDOM!!!

jerry · 01-30-2008, 07:51 AM

HUA!
(Heard Understood Acknowledged)

ArkansasHunter · 01-30-2008, 08:52 AM

Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.
Thank you for your dedicated service ezearln and makeing me safe.
A.H

Seabeescotty · 01-30-2008, 09:05 AM

Thank you, for the eloquent, honest testimonial of your love for our country. I had to stop reading several times, in order to wipe my eyes, and bring my emotions under control. You put in words what most veterans feel, but are unable to express. I hope this thread will be preserved, I can only imagine the pain it induced deep in your heart, wrenching these words of devotion, patriotism, and love of comrades from so deep in your soul. God bless you, and God bless this wonderful country. As a fellow veteran, I salute you, as a fellow American, I applaud you, for the courage to wear your patriotism so openly on your sleeve! From one old, broken Seabee to a comrade, "Can Do" my friend, "Can Do"!

Rave · 01-30-2008, 10:06 AM

That was really nice,brought a tear to my eye,in fact a whole bunch of 'em,but then again I too am of another generation,I am now 64,and I feel the same way you do.
It really hurts to see what is happening to our wonderful country.
That's all I can say right now.

CalifgirlinOk · 01-30-2008, 10:31 AM

YOU ARE BLESSED !!!!!

mym1a · 01-30-2008, 07:43 PM

I agree completely

Seabeescotty · 01-31-2008, 08:50 AM

I have one flag that flew from the start of the war, and become pretty shabby. When all the kids were home for the first time, I replaced it with a fresh one. I folded the old flag carefully, and put it back, fully intending to take it to the VFW and have them retire it. I still have that flag, that represents another four years of family service, multiplied by four. I just can't bring myself to let go. Earl, do you think it would be proper to build a case for it, and mount a brass plate explaining the importance of the tattered relic?

ezearln · 01-31-2008, 08:59 AM

Seabeescotty anything done in reverence to our flag is appropriate I have a 28 year old ensign faded and worn 7'x13' hanging on the wall at my cabin it was given to me by my gun crew upon the occasion of my very first reenlistment aboard the USS Charleston LKA113 along with a plaque commemorating the day which hangs alongside the flag. Your suggestion is more than appropriate and an wonderful way to respect something with such family history!

Seabeescotty · 01-31-2008, 09:12 AM

Thanks Earl. I had some other folks tell me it would be disrespectful to display a tattered, worn flag. But then I got to thinking about all the other tattered flags on display in museums across the country, and I thought, it might not be historic from a national point of view, but it is very significant for my family. I appreciate the input, and as soon as the shop is warm enough to work in, I'm gonna get busy!

Windwalker · 01-31-2008, 10:47 AM

Thanks Earl and all you Vets. for the time and sacrifice you gave protecting our great Country and all of us who live in it. I am 69 years old and serving in the peacetime Army is nothing to what you combat Vets. went through but I still love the United States of America, the greatest country in the World. I'm not as good as I once was, heck, I'm not even as good once as I once was but for those who would try to trample our Freedom and disrespect our Country you will still have to walk over me.

01-29-2008, 10:00 PM	#1
ezearln Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 3,605	Retirement of the Flag The other day up at the Missus and I's beloved "Hill" we retired a flag that had flown over our property for some time. We had lit a fire of native woods and gently folded the symbol of the nation I have served for so long. I spoke a eulogy and a prayer, I commended the flag and honored its service to the ideals of our nation and commented on what it represented to we as a nation, then quietly and with reverence we laid the flag upon a pyre meant only for it and let it's ashes consecrate our beloved part of Texas and America. I reverently respect all the flag represents and what we all hold dear because of those heros of all colors and both genders have given freely and unashamedly to ensure her survival who came before me and after that private, quiet and honorable retirement I once again in my heart swore that if my hand could forestall it this nation "Shall not perish from the Earth" Then my wife and I with honor and respect raised a new Union Jack over our little slice of heaven just because it was and is the right thing to do! Once more I assert I AM an American fighting man and I shall never ever foresake my oath! God Bless America and ALL her people! No I am no one of particular power or influence I am merely an older retired Sailor, and combat instructor but what I am is far greater than Who I am... "I am an American Fighting man and I am such of my own free will and I shall defend my nation and MY constituition until our enemy takes the last breath from my body and those that desecrate the symbol of my nation do so at their own peril! __________________ "You can have my Freedom when I'm done with it!"

01-29-2008, 10:05 PM	#2
bigbuddy21 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: new albany in. Posts: 1,432 Images: 5	I WISH WE HAD MORE LIKE YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THIS GREAT NATION. SIR I SALUTE YOU __________________ LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! AN UNARMED POPULACE IS EASILY CONTROLLED...... A. HITLER

01-29-2008, 10:15 PM	#3
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,783	God Bless You Sir __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

01-29-2008, 10:34 PM	#5
Dale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Too Dang Hot, Arizona Posts: 4,288	You are an excellent example of patriotism. I commend you! SALUTE! __________________ "It confuses me how some people can vigorously go against the 2nd. Amendment and still call themselves patriotic"-me

01-29-2008, 10:52 PM	#6
jeff45 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: I'm a troll in MI Posts: 70	Thank You to all our servicemen and women I would like to thank all those that serve or have served our great country. I tried to serve and follow in my father's footsteps. I was enlisted in the DEP waiting to graduate from HS. I broke my ankle and needed some screws. The saddest day in my life was the day I found out that I couldn't serve my beloved country. My father is a disabled veteran. I often go down to the DAV hall and give the guys there a hand. I heard a qoute from somebody on TV and it struck me as the truth. "everybody says america is at war, america isn't at war. the armed forces are at war, the rest of america is at home wathcing american idol." those words couldn't be more true. When you fall asleep tonight remember that the only reason you fall asleep under the protection of OUR flag is because of brave people like ezearln, my father, and the millions of other great, heroic people gave 110%. Those people did it so you could have the freedoms that you have today. I flew to see a good friend of mine graduate from AF basic in lackland. In the airport on the way there I saw a marine hugging his wife and children goodbye. They were both crying and it was a pretty sad site to see. I was on the same flight as him. As luck had it he sat next to me. We got to talking and I thanked him, shook his hand and we both went our seperate ways. If you get a chance thank a veteran. They diserve much more then our thanks. Jeff

01-29-2008, 10:24 PM	#4
The_Patriot Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South of the Northern Region Posts: 1,652	Very inspirational. My grandfather and both of his brothers were in WWII and had that attitude towards the colors. I have it because I was in the Air Force 20 years and saw the flag as THE symbol of our power and freedom. You just don't see many people out there in general society that have that kind of respect for anything anymore, let alone our flag. Many have contempt for it. It's sad. This thread should serve as a reminder to keep eye over wherever you're from. Vegas gets very windy from time to time and I have made many calls to businesses about their frayed flags. Many just don't have a clue about Public Law and the flag. Once explained, they are usually quick to replace them. I ask them to ensure the old ones get to the VA for proper destruction, but don't know if they do. I should follow up more, but it had been taking too much time out of an already busy life. At any rate, thanks for the reminder. And thanks for treating the flag with the respect it merits.

01-29-2008, 10:56 PM	#7
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,217	God Bless you Earl and Thank you Sir ! __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

01-29-2008, 11:27 PM	#8
ezearln Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 3,605	Indeed there are many who have no idea what the cost of our freedom entails, the names of the fallen sadly drift into obscurity and fog. Let us not forget that the cost of our freedoms, our ability to agree to disagree our right in most respects to live as we choose to live, however those freedoms have come at a terrible price paid for in blood and yet there are those that dismiss it as not important and I say to them and to all what price "Freedom" what do we forego, what do we surrender, what do we sacrifice upon the alter of peace. Our sovereignity? Our right to be free? Our self determination? Or do we say ENOUGH! and decide for our selves what it right and just as a nation, We are and rightfully should be a nation known as a melting pot of cultures each enriching and supporting the other, each lifting up and guarding the rights of those whom we may or may not agree with? . We are and always have been a nation blessed with diversity and intellect beyond our due measure, what means this to us is that this nation is Blessed with the brightest and most innovative minds in all the world!!!! Why because of FREEDOM!!! Yet let us not forget it was paid for in blood and heartache and let us never ever forget the sacrifices of those before us, those brave souls who gave all that America shall be free!! Why oh why didn't ol warhorses like me and other of MY genration not have to battle this foe as our young warriors have??? Why so many of us have prepared for comflict and prayed it would never come, and yet here once again here we looking upon an implacable foe. We wish only for peace and tolerance and we pray formost and always for the safety and welfare of all and desire only their growth in this troubked region jeff45 even though you may never see combat that DOES NOT mean you aren't serving your country and the comarades who are directly in harms way. It is a measure of a person of what they are willing to sacrifice for what they hold dear, that does not mean you need stand up along a combat line in some for many too soon forgotten battlefield but more importantly that you hold close to your breast that which is sacred to most Americans whom have paid all or some of the price of freedom. What is that Jeff? That this Nation Shall NOT perish from the face of the earth!!!. My friends as long as there are those who subscibe and adhere to a higher ideal, there is not a shred of fear of death, we are and always shall be so long as there be patriots there shall never ever be a silent america. We are and have been and will continue to be what the world aspires to, let us as a free people aspire to that which is just and right without hatred or predjudice or pre-conceived notions or beliefs. Let us as a free and just people accept and integrate our new brothers and sisters, In doing so we only strenghten that which we hold so dear. Hatred isn't the way, ignorence isn't the way, intolorence isn't the way, death and murder isn't the way. Love, peace, understanding and tolerance is the way. Can we do less than open our arms to those yearning for peace and freedom? Can we do less than present a wall of adamant denial to those who advocate violence as the only means to further their agenda! No we cannot and as a former member of our military I understand it is a knifes edge to walk, yet it is essential we do so! Still as I rant here I feel a need to tell those here you needn't serve along some battlefield, you needn't have suffered the effects of a roadside bomb or ambush and the damage your body sustained in defence of our liberty and security and I wish with all my heart it hadn't been you, but me. I served perhaps before I was was truly needed, but I and others of like mind stood ready day and night to defend what we all held dear and if it means a lick to you we those of us who served we do understand and we do with reverence, and deep respect honor those who have fallen and those whom to this day suffer after paying the price of freedom. To those that have ears to hear and patience to understand learn this beyond all else... "Freedom isn't free, our way of life and the everydays freedoms we take ever so much for granted were paid for in blood and death, sacrifice and pain lest we ever forget we as free Americans have not only a duty but a sacred obligation to pass to our children what our foefathers struggled so valiantly to achieve". FREEDOM!!! __________________ "You can have my Freedom when I'm done with it!" Last edited by ezearln; 01-30-2008 at 01:21 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

01-30-2008, 07:51 AM	#9
jerry Short Time Shirt Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 13,229 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	HUA! (Heard Understood Acknowledged)

01-30-2008, 08:52 AM	#10
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,217	Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God. Thank you for your dedicated service ezearln and makeing me safe. A.H __________________ IN GOD WE TRUST NRA MEMBER

01-30-2008, 09:05 AM	#11
Seabeescotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jay, Oklahoma, God's country. Posts: 6,964 Images: 18 Blog Entries: 1	Thank you, for the eloquent, honest testimonial of your love for our country. I had to stop reading several times, in order to wipe my eyes, and bring my emotions under control. You put in words what most veterans feel, but are unable to express. I hope this thread will be preserved, I can only imagine the pain it induced deep in your heart, wrenching these words of devotion, patriotism, and love of comrades from so deep in your soul. God bless you, and God bless this wonderful country. As a fellow veteran, I salute you, as a fellow American, I applaud you, for the courage to wear your patriotism so openly on your sleeve! From one old, broken Seabee to a comrade, "Can Do" my friend, "Can Do"! __________________ Adapt, improvise, overcome.-Gysgt Highway, Heartbreak Ridge IN GOD WE TRUST!

01-30-2008, 10:06 AM	#12
Rave Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tampa Posts: 8,436	That was really nice,brought a tear to my eye,in fact a whole bunch of 'em,but then again I too am of another generation,I am now 64,and I feel the same way you do. It really hurts to see what is happening to our wonderful country. That's all I can say right now. __________________ Better days are comeing! .

01-30-2008, 10:31 AM	#13
CalifgirlinOk Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,756	YOU ARE BLESSED !!!!! __________________ Hey Seabeescotty..!! Does my butt look good in these jeans?

01-30-2008, 07:43 PM	#14
mym1a Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,308	I agree completely

01-31-2008, 08:50 AM	#15
Seabeescotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jay, Oklahoma, God's country. Posts: 6,964 Images: 18 Blog Entries: 1	I have one flag that flew from the start of the war, and become pretty shabby. When all the kids were home for the first time, I replaced it with a fresh one. I folded the old flag carefully, and put it back, fully intending to take it to the VFW and have them retire it. I still have that flag, that represents another four years of family service, multiplied by four. I just can't bring myself to let go. Earl, do you think it would be proper to build a case for it, and mount a brass plate explaining the importance of the tattered relic? __________________ Adapt, improvise, overcome.-Gysgt Highway, Heartbreak Ridge IN GOD WE TRUST!

01-31-2008, 08:59 AM	#16
ezearln Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Hill Country Posts: 3,605	Seabeescotty anything done in reverence to our flag is appropriate I have a 28 year old ensign faded and worn 7'x13' hanging on the wall at my cabin it was given to me by my gun crew upon the occasion of my very first reenlistment aboard the USS Charleston LKA113 along with a plaque commemorating the day which hangs alongside the flag. Your suggestion is more than appropriate and an wonderful way to respect something with such family history! __________________ "You can have my Freedom when I'm done with it!"

01-31-2008, 09:12 AM	#17
Seabeescotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jay, Oklahoma, God's country. Posts: 6,964 Images: 18 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks Earl. I had some other folks tell me it would be disrespectful to display a tattered, worn flag. But then I got to thinking about all the other tattered flags on display in museums across the country, and I thought, it might not be historic from a national point of view, but it is very significant for my family. I appreciate the input, and as soon as the shop is warm enough to work in, I'm gonna get busy! __________________ Adapt, improvise, overcome.-Gysgt Highway, Heartbreak Ridge IN GOD WE TRUST!

01-31-2008, 10:47 AM	#18
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 6,100	Thanks Earl and all you Vets. for the time and sacrifice you gave protecting our great Country and all of us who live in it. I am 69 years old and serving in the peacetime Army is nothing to what you combat Vets. went through but I still love the United States of America, the greatest country in the World. I'm not as good as I once was, heck, I'm not even as good once as I once was but for those who would try to trample our Freedom and disrespect our Country you will still have to walk over me.