You're a Grand Old Flag

I had the opportunity last night to watch a flag retirement ceremony.  I am still in awe and reverence over the experience.  I love the flag and everything she stands for.  The leader of the meeting likened the ceremony of burning the flag to retire it as a funeral for the flag and we should treat this ceremony as if we were at the funeral of a loved one.  It really set the mood for the meeting and brought to mind just how important and special our flag is.

I have seen on t.v. images of people in the streets burning the American Flag out of disrespect and evil.  To watch my flag be disgraced in such a way makes my blood boil and stabs me at the heart.  When a flag has become so old and worn that it no longer can fulfill it's purpose of  flying in the wind for all to see the symbol of freedom she represents, it is time to retire the flag.  A very special and sacred ceremony is held wherein the flag is burned.  It is done with honor and dignity. I watched as the flag was reverently, sacredly, and gently placed in the flames.  There was a man standing off to the side playing Taps on the bagpipe.  The audience stood with our hands held over our hearts.  I could not hold back the tears.  Tears of respect and love for my country.  When the bagpipes ended, the Spirit of God could be felt so strongly and profoundly.  Speaking so clearly to our hearts how important this symbol of freedom is.

From the chorus of You're A Grand Old Flag.

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of

The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

Ev'ry heart beats true

'neath the Red, White and Blue,

Where there's never a boast or brag.

But should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Every fourth of July at my grandparents house in the mountains, we would hold our own special flag raising ceremony to start of our Fourth of July celebrations.