I want to dedicate this page to my friends.. Gater.. Dandydiver..__Muscle__..Yardbird..Earl..Texman..Grayoak_..(Texman & Grayoak are brothers.)Duker..(Duker is my best friend in real life), just to name a few, who served our country, and most of all my DAD, and to Long, my Brother(Bubba) and to all the many men and women who also served and is now serving it in every branch of our Military. My DAD passed away in 1973, and I still miss him very much. When I asked Gater if he would like anything put on page this is what he wanted to say...."Don't forget the men who died for what our US Flag means..FREEDOM !!!!
On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from England, and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream. The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.
Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world, bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge that can only benefit all nations.
I would like to invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July.
Happy Birthday, America!
REMEMBER ME
Hello, remember me: I’m your flag.
Some folks call me Old Glory,
Others call me the Stars and Stripes,
the Ensign, or just the Flag.
But what ever they call me,
I am your flag,
THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Something has been bothering me lately.
I was
wondering if I might talk it over with you.
It’s about you and me.
I remember some time ago,
When people lined up both
sides of the street to watch a parade.
When your
grandfather saw me coming along,
Waving in the breeze,
He took his hat off and held it against his left shoulder.
His hand was directly over his heart,REMEMBER?
And your father,
I remember him Standing here, straight as a soldier.
He didn’t have a hat on, but he gave the correct salute.
They taught him in school to place his hand over his heart.
And I remember his little sister,
Not to be outdone,
She was saluting the same as him.
I was proud, very proud,
As I came down the street.
Oh, yes there were some servicemen there,
Standing at attention, Giving the military salute.
Ladies, as well as men,
Civilians
as well as military,
Paid me respect and reverence.
Now if I sound a bit conceited, well I have a right to.
I represent the finest country in the world.
The
United States of America.
More than one aggressive nation has tried to haul me down,
Only to feel the fury of this freedom-loving country.
Many of your fathers had to go overseas to defend me.
A lot more blood has been shed,
Since those patriotic parades of long ago,
And I’ve had a few stars added since your father was a boy,
But I’m still the same ol’ flag.
GrandDad is gone now, and the hometown has a new
look.
The last time I came down your street, I noticed,
Some of the old landmarks had given way to new buildings and homes.
Yes sir, the old town sure has changed.
I guess I have too,
because I don’t feel as proud as I did back then.
I see youngsters running and shouting through the
streets,
college boys and girls disrupting our campuses,
people selling hot dogs and beer while our National Anthem is played.
Everything from apathy to riots.
They don’t seem to know or care who I am.
Not long ago, I saw a man take his hat off when I came by,
He looked around, didn’t see anybody else with their’s off,
so he quickly put his back on.
Now when I come down your street,
you just stand
with your hands in your pockets.
Occasionally, you give me a small glance, and then look away.
When I think of all theplaces I’ve been.
NORMANDY, GUADALCANAL, IWO
JIMA,
BATTLE OF THE BULGE, KOREA,
VIETNAM,
DESSERT STORM,
Just to name a few.
I wonder what has happened.
I’m still
the same ol’ flag.
How can I be expected to fly high and proud,
From
building and homes when watching them,
Is there no
thought, love or respect for me?
Whatever happened to
patriotism? Your patriotism?
Have you forgotten what I
stand for?
Have you forgotten all the battlefields where men fought,
And died to keep this nation free?
When you salute me, you salute them.
Take a look at the memorial honor rolls sometime.
Look at the names of those who never came back.
Some of them were friends or relatives of yours;
Maybe even went to school with your grandparents or parents.
That’s what you’re saluting - not me!!
Well, it won’t be long until I’ll be coming to your street again.
So when you see me, stand straight,
place your right hand over your heart.
And I’ll salute you by waving back.
And I’ll know that YOU REMEMBERED!!!!!
(author unknown)
Since I have made this page, my best friend Luke,(Duker) passed away June 26th-1999, at the age of 37. I miss him so much already and has just been 24 hours that he has been gone. He was the best friend anyone could ever have, one of the finest young Christian men anyone could meet, a great pianest, and MY HERO. He loved his piano, and as I set here now, I am thinking how much I am going to miss hearing him play for me. I am going to miss seeing him every day, and the talks we had. He was always here for me, I could always depend on him to help me get through bad times. I love ya Luke, and already miss you and my soda's you brought me every day. But I also know you are with the one you loved most of all..Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
I want to Welcome each of you , and hope you enjoy your stay while here. Please sign my Dream book, tell me what you think of this page, and return soon..Maria
For other pages made by me, and also Friends Pages, Please go to my Link Page
~~Maria's Circle Of Friend's Link Page~~
