(picture via Fox News)
Yesterday my husband (king of all political events and current affairs) was telling me a story regarding a man that refuses to take down a tattered flag in his front yard. The story says that the father, a veteran himself, promised his son that he would not remove the flag until the son came home from Iraq.
And he has kept that promise.
The flag is now tattered, worn, and waving in pieces. Neighbors are citing disrespect and stating that the flag needs to be replaced; one even laying a new flag on his porch.
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From Fox News: “I told him this flag protected me in Vietnam and I will see that it protects you,” said Haros, a former master sergeant in the U.S. Army. “In a normal situation, I would’ve brought it down a long time ago.”
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I spent 7 years in the military as a spouse.
The first year were in the military, mere months at our station, I watched the twin towers fall live on air in New York. I waited while my husband was locked down on base. I watched friends go to war. I watched my husband go to war. I have lovingly packed boxes for soldiers. My husband missed his daughters first steps.
I have immense respect for the men and women who serve, my only regret being that I did not serve myself in life.
Why should we try to force a father, whose son is on his third tour in Iraq, to replace the flag with a bright, shiny new flag while his son is most certainly not in a bright, shiny new place?
In my opinion, the flag is a public statement on what his son is going through right now. A physical manifestation of war. We often forget about it because we cant see it. There are men and women out there, fathers and mothers, daughters and sons, that wake up with sand under their feet and guns at their sides. I can remember a time where everyone flew a flag in their front yards, where patriotism was at its highest. I no longer see that. It saddens me. The despair. The lost hope.
I believe the flag is a true symbol of America right NOW.
It is tattered.
It is worn.
It is hanging by a thread.
And while the image may feel shocking to Americans, don’t you think we should be more shocked by what is going on in our country every day?
I applaud Mr. Haros, thank him and his son for serving our nation and celebrate his commitment to his son.
We should all be so lucky to have a tattered flag in our lawn.
~Trisha
I am a USMC wife. My DH just left for his 3rd deployment. We have 3 kids and this post really hit home. I agree with the Dad. Thanks for sharing.
The neighbors/community need to get a life. I can’t believe that people would even suggest he take it down! What nerve. I’ve had several family members in the military (including my brother currently who just got back from Iraq), and this just appalls me. What horrible patriotism! I think I may blog about this topic too. I’m either really bitchy right now or people are out of control because this and some of the other stuff going on right now is really pissing me off.
That was a great post. I fly my flag everyday and I honestly feel that if I were in his shoes and promised my son the same thing, I would definitely leave it flying. Let’s pray that all our military men and women come home safely.
Great post. I think we all need to remember what they are going through over seas!
I agree. this is about family AND patriotism. Family first.
This father IS honoring his country and his son, the soldier, by flying this flag. Anyone who wants him to take it down has a black heart.
Awesome post!
It has me choked up to see him flying the flag that guided him safely through war flying for his own son. I can understand people being anal about it’s condition, but for the love of whatever they consider holy, it isn’t about him not honoring his country, its about honoring the tradition, and supporting his soldier.
I agree fully with this post. We have a friend that didn’t come home safe from Iraq and well, I pray each and every day that no one else would ever have to go through that pain knowing someone they love, they care about and shared memories with will be coming home ready to be buried.
What a wonderful post. Even though I’m not American, I can totally relate with your post after being in a military family most of my life. It’s a great message, you sent, Trisha, keep up the good work.
The neighbors probably want the flag to come down so they’re not forced to remember what the neighbor’s son is doing and giving up for them and so many other people every single day. It’s easier to bury your head in the sand than face the truth.