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Memorial Day is today, May 27, 2002 in the United States of
America. Memorial Day has been ignored by too many, we have
forgotten those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often
we do not observe the day as it should be; a day where we
actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our
loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given
the ultimate sacrifice:
- By visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers
on the graves of our fallen heroes.
- By visiting memorial services in your community.
- By flying the US Flag at half-staff until noon.
Last weekend, I retired the "Stars and Stripes" that has flown
from my house continuously since September 11th at 9:00 AM (there
is a light on my attached garage above the flag, so it has been
full illuminated in the dark hours). But it was time to replace
it after flying for over 8 months. My neighbor, Commander Mike
Martin, of the White Bear Lake American Legion Post, will properly
retire my flag at ceremonies June 14th (National Flag Day).
Just what does this "Star Spangled Banner" represent? To some
it represents the unified 50 states. To others it represents "Freedom,
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." To me it is the icon
of the greatest document ever written by man, The Constitution of
the United States of America. Without the Constitution, the United
States would be adrift without direction or purpose. Laws could
be made to strip us of our God given rights!
For 27 years, I served the Constitution of the United States while
I served in the US Army. Just as every other soldier that has
served in the military, I promised to Support and defend the
Constitution of the United States of America, against all enemies,
foreign and domestic.
Until September 11th, 2001, few American really took time to
consider what this means. On this Memorial Day consider
what this National Holiday really represents, it means much more
than an extra day off from work and a car race in Indianapolis.
I have noticed over the years that many fly the "Stars and Stripes"
improperly. They seem to not know how to properly display and
care for our nation's flag. Below is the definitive word on the
display and care of "Old Glory."
www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.php
~ Platoon Sergeant Steven H. McGarthwaite
US Army Retired.
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