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Guerrilla
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: USA- the northeast
Posts: 372
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One Flag
This Year .......
I felt I had to DO something regarding 9/11. With all the mindless discussions that take place in the media about 'justifying' the GWOT, I felt I had to DO something this year, no matter how small and insignificant it may be in the whole picture of things.
Some of you may remember that I have 'adopted' some military units of our men and women serving in AFghanistan and Iraq. There is a Marine unit in Afghanistan that was the first group I 'adopted' a number of months ago. I was completely surprised and incredibly moved when a package arrived on my doorstep over six weeks ago. Inside the package was an American flag, folded in proper tri-corner fashion, and with it was a certificate that read as follows: (and forgive me for not centering this - I tried but it won't let me but you'll get the gist of it)-
This Flag is Present to
B......... K.............
by ......................
Let it be known that this standard
was flown in Afghanistan
on
J--- --, 2004
in a
CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter
during a combat mission
in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom.
This flag represents the American resolve
following the attacks on the World Trade Center,
and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001,
and bears witness to the destruction of
terrorist forces threatening the freedom of the
United States of AMerica and the world.
Signed....Major xxxxx xxxxxxxxx
USMC
CH-53E Pilot
Signed.....Cpl xxxxxxx x. xxxx
USMC
CH-53E Crew Chief
Mission Number: x-xxxx
Callsign: xxxxxxx xx
As you can imagine, I was overwhelmed with this gift and deeply moved by its significance.
As 9/11 approached, I wanted THIS FLAG to send a message to the media, the terrorists, and the world, even though I KNOW that it is such a small gesture in a small town in upstate New York that the message will never be known by those it was intended to reach.
I made an appointment to meet with our Town Supervisor. After our meeting, the following is what I wrote in a letter to the Marines serving in that unit in Afghanistan.
Dear members of XXX-XXX,
This weekend your service to our country is being honored, and the events of 9/11 are being remembered, here in XXXXXXX XXXX, New York. As you know, I was deeply moved by the flag that you presented to me that was flown on one of your CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopters on a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As the days grew closer to the date of 9/11, I felt it was important that the flag be opened up from its tri-corner fold and that it fly high and free this weekend. To me, it would symbolize the incredible work you all do in the skies overhead and the sacrifices you and your loved ones make so that our nation can be safe and the world can be a better place. It also seemed to me that in memory of those who died at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and on Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, that the flag should fly and be free to blow in the wind, as a symbol of the freedom that terrorism will never, ever be able to deny the American people.
I met with Ms. XXXX XXXXXX, the Town Supervisor, and she readily agreed with my thoughts. So, beginning this weekend the flag that flew in a combat mission with the men of XXX-XXX will fly in a place of honor in front of the Town Municipal Building of XXXXXXX XXXX, New York, day and night, brightly lit for all to see.
There is one other point that I want to mention. I know the media seems to print only articles that question our nation's actions in the Global War on Terrorism. It also seems to print articles questioning our presence in Iraq, as well as in Afghanistan. It is a shame that the media is so out of touch with the REAL Americans in this country. I say that because when I was in Supervisor XXXXXX's office, she got up and walked over to a beautiful shelf across the room from her desk. She picked up a flag that was also folded in the proper tri-corner way, and I could see that it was a bit dirty and well worn. She held it out for me to see and said, " This is the flag that was flying here on the day that Saddam Heussein was captured. That was an important day for all of us and we want this flag to be saved and preserved, for everything that it stands for." So as you can see, REAL Americans are behind you, our service men and women, in this Global War on Terror every step of the way, no matter where you are.
I can't tell you how proud I am and how fortunate I feel to be associated with all of you, the Marines of XXX-XXX. You are indeed among America's best and finest and we are so proud of all that you do. Each and every one of you is being honored when that flag flys this weekend. And we will never forget the events of 9/11.
At the end of this letter I am enclosing a description of the meaning of each of the folds that is made when the flag is properly folded. You probably are all familiar with the symbolism but I thought I would include it for you. The meaning of the second fold seems so appropriate as we remember those who were lost on 9/11. The meaning of the third fold and the seventh fold symbolizes the strength of our fighting men and women who are making certain that America never sees another day like that again.
Thank you all for your service to this great nation of ours. God bless you all.
Most sincerely,
B....... K..........
Symbols for the folds of the Flag
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks and who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
Copyright © 1996 - 2004 by The American Legion- All Rights Reserved
I had to DO something this year.........so that's what I did.
In memory of those lost on 9/11 and in honor of those fighting the GWOT, the finest military in the world, bar none.
Roycroft201
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