[July 25, 2021] For four decades, I served the United States as a Soldier, and I entered service at the lowest rank, Private. Today, I put some thoughts on paper for the sacrifices of my military compatriots, as they were part of American’s honorable past and present. The writing of this article is easy; serving your nation is hard. I fly my American Flag with pride.
I remember stories as a child about my great-great-grandfather and what he did during the U.S. Civil War. Perhaps I could better understand why he joined and fought in that long-ago war. What made him join? In what battles did he fight? I believe those decisions we make follow us beyond our lifetime, so I am curious about his reasoning, which will forever remain lost in time.
All my life, I lived by the American ideal that we go to war to liberate, restore freedom, and end tyranny. Fundamentally, Americans must be the world’s leading advocate for peace, and I thank God that the love of freedom prompts individuals to act courageously on the battlefield in doing so. I studied war all my adult life. I did this, so my grandchildren can “study mathematics and philosophy,” where one day we might no longer need hard men to fight evil.
I lived in 20 countries on five continents, immersed in the cultures of many historic civilizations. During those times, I realized that the American Flag calls us to virtues; gratitude, humility, and wisdom. These virtues transcend our differences. Gratitude for the efforts of our forbearers to make America better than when they arrived. Humility in adjusting to today’s realities while conserving noble traditions. And wisdom to commit ourselves to family, community, and country.
Our national tradition deserves to be passed along to our children so they might too enjoy the blessings of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. This means we can learn and celebrate our history. We do so to become a “more perfect union” so that military heroes like George Washington, Sgt. Alvin York, Audie Murphy, George Patton, and the many who fought in war to preserve this nation.1
When I look at our American Flag, I feel that all the good our nation has done for the world will inspire others. Just look at what freedom fighters always do; they show the American Flag. Old Glory is a symbol of hope, freedom, and justice. We must continually protect and defend those ideals. That is why I fly my American Flag.
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Some ideas in this article were taken from Matthew Mai’s article, Why I Still Fly An American Flag With Pride (thefederalist.com)
Been flying the flag now since 1985, when I turned 18 and bought my first house. I work hard for what I get and if it were not for the USA, I wouldn’t have gotten where I am today. I hate it when folks blame their personal failures on others. Hey folks, pick yourself up by your bootstraps and get to work.
Good one Laughing Monkey and I like your nickname, as well.
I too fly the American flag and am damn proud of it.
I wear the flag every day on my uniform and I’m proud of it.
If you ain’t proud of the good ole USA, then get the hell out. But, of course you won’t. Why? Because you know you are a liar and the USA is the best country of all, period. I’ll buy you a first class , one way ticket to any communist nation you want. Just stay there for the rest of your life. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. I know and you know you will never do it.
Yep, tell us what you think, Plato. I agree. But those wennie Hollywood types only say things to get attention and are unaware of the real consequences of their words.
You know what I’ve go to say, “stupid is, as stupid does.”
Forrest, always makes my day to hear from you. I too am of the belief that those who don’t like America can just pull up their boots and get out. In fact, the sooner the better. We don’t need leeches like them.
A great weekend to read about why we fly the American flag. I too fly it. But since there are so many crazy liberals out there, I now also wear a US flag T-Shirt. I do that to trigger the emotions of liberals into meltdowns. I’ve seen them go nuts at seeing the flag and I’m happy to report I was the cause. Hooray for the US Flag.
Let’s pray for their souls since they are lost.
Happy Sunday, to all of those reading this leadership blog. I enjoy it every day and reminds me of how great our country is. There are many today that think the US flag is some form of trigger warning and they run from it. They are the cowards of our times and we should all stand up and say so. Melt the snowflakes.
“Our national tradition deserves to be passed along to our children.” Yes, and I couldn’t have said it better. Why? Because it works for the most people. Other forms of tradition most often do not work as well, if we are talking about a political-economic system.
Another spot on article from Gen. Satterfield. Have a great Sunday.
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We written, thanks to you Gen. Satterfield.