Skip to main content

Spiritual Sundays ~ Independence Day




The Flag of the United States of America

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America’s halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
My head is a little higher,
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am saluted.
I am loved
I am revered.
I am respected
and I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh, and Appomattoz. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy. Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me. I’m presently in the mountains of Afganistan and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed. I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me and I was proud. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country. And when it’s done by those whom I’ve served in battle – it hurts.
But I shall overcome – for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America’s finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my
Wounded comrades on the battlefield
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
At the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.

Bob Thompson, Retired Military Veteran
Panama, City, Florida


Join Ginger and Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays for more inspirational writings submitted by wonderful inspiring writers. Happy Independence Day and praise God for our freedom!

Comments

  1. I've never seen this before but how perfect for this day. Happy Fourth of July to you Mary.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is wonderful. I don't see how anyone can live in America and not love and be proud of our flag. It represents so much that is good in this world.
    Happy 4th to you.
    Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  3. A very touching tribute! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful July 4th weekend with a lovely Spiritual Sunday.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  4. Happy 4th sister and your post is a great time for us to reflect on what America is all about - freedom. And it is for freedom that Christ died on the cross. Fireworks would be greatly displayed in different places tonight but may the Lord do a revival and create fireworks in each person's heart to seek Him and love Him. God bless sister and have a great weekend! Love you in Christ!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What precious roots!

    Praying you and your family have a peaceful 4th.

    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  6. What an awesome post! How humbling too when put in this light! Thankyou!

    I am praying for a peacefilled 4th and rest of your weekend with your family!

    Love you Mary!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. My Dear, Precious Friend,

    I have never seen this writing before, but it was absolutely beautiful. My husband and I layed low today and I have reflected much on what Independence Day really means. I hope your day was good one.

    Love, Peace, Blessings & Prayers,
    Alleluiabelle

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for sharing that. It was raining hard all day here and caused our busy day to become a much needed rest.

    ReplyDelete
  9. God bless you I am following on Spiritual Sunday.

    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great. I love our flag too. What a great country we live in. I am grateful to God for it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a perfect peace of writing for this time, all so true. She has stood the test of time and I am so proud of her. Thank you for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  12. Continuing to pray for you!!

    Stop by arise 2 write..you have been tagged!

    Love ya, andrea

    ReplyDelete
  13. This was perfect for this holiday! thanks for sharing it Mary!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Veteran's Story

  I noticed Bill sitting in our local park where I walk.   He glanced my way just as I finished the last exercise walk song on my playlist.   He shouted and pointed to my car:   “Hey, is that your car with the Nam front license plate?   I stepped closer into the veranda where Bill sat on a picnic bench.   I noticed his Vietnam Vet cap and instantly I knew why I walked there that day.   The Marine Vet served during the 1960’s, the same time span as my husband.   Bill talked a lot about the war evoking my emotions from laughter to tears.   My South Vietnam front plate often prompts a conversation with a stranger and I’ve learned a deep respect for it over the years.   It is my way of listening to a veteran.   I enjoyed listening to Bill.   He made me laugh in spots but he made me cry as well.   Like when he talked about the sandwich lady.   “Do you ever eat at the sandwich shop in the gas station down the street...

Lunch With the Girls on Gurley Street

While vacuuming a few days ago, I had a conversation with myself wondering if I should delete my blog. It was just a stray thought that came into my head while I was on a self pity trip. When life gets hard, I don’t always feel like rejoicing and with a blog dedicated to smiling in life, well it is just too much pressure! Then something wonderful happened. I am smiling again and can’t wait to write about it! Two precious sisters-in-Christ, amazing Arizona bloggers from the valley, drove up north and offered mega doses of encouragement. Today I would like to feature the wonderful afternoon I spent in Prescott with Debbie from Heart Choices and Kathleen from Sassy Granny. Debbie and I met last year at a blogger luncheon, so I knew this charming lady would have us laughing with her friendly ease. She is beautiful inside and out and oh, what a heart of love this gal has! It was such a blessing to meet Kathleen in person after following her blog this past year. I was su...

A Memorial Day Reflection

  Memorial Day is always noteworthy for me and my girls.  Next Thursday marks the third year of missing their father, my husband. So many thoughts  run through my mind.  The journey of loss takes on various emotions.  The strongest feeling, at first, was emptiness.  In a split second, I would forget he departed forever.  I imagined things I needed to talk to him about when he got back home.  My mind is realistic now.  He's not coming back.  There will be no more times of sitting on the porch swing together on the front deck staring at the moon and the stars.  He would tell me all he knew about the majestic night sky. I have so much I wish I could tell him, like the excitement of seeing our oldest grandchild make a decision to follow Jesus and get baptized on Mother's Day!  And our little Amy, 11 years old, I wish he could have seen her on stage receiving her induction to the National Honor Society. Our daughters have their own ...