I want to share with you an experience we had recently. We had a Flag burning ceremony at the Legion Hall before our regular meeting. As you all know, there isn't a law against burning our flag, in fact, many protesters do it all the time. This was quite different. Most proud Americans would never burn an American Flag but don't know what to do with them when they become tattered, torn, frayed and worn out. The American Legion and the V.F.W have the authority to hold a Flag burning ceremony, and many people call and ask what to do with their old flags. Many flags were collected over a period of time and gathered for the ceremony.

A big fire was roaring and the Legion Veterans were lined up on one side and the Auxiliary Ladies were lined up on the other side. There were two Veterans standing at attention with their guns. It was a very beautiful night, and the ceremony was held behind the Legion building in the parking lot. The stars were out with the moon looking beautiful, and there was a gentle breeze. Our retired high school band director played taps, and then the Commander gave a short talk on retiring old flags, there is a manual that they go by. Then the Veterans began to pick up flags, dip the corner in kerosene and throw them into the fire.

As I watched, my mind began to go back in time to when my big brother Earl enlisted in the Air Force in 1942. By this time the war was raging and men were clamoring to enlist to serve their country and to protect our American Flag. Those that were turned down for one reason or another, felt they had failed their country. It was probably the most patriotic war of all time. Everyone was proud to be an American and flags were seen flying everywhere. No one ever thought of spiting on, or desecrating the Flag in any way. My other brother, Gary, was also in the Air Force, but much later, in the 50's.

I watched these worn and tattered flags that had flown so nobly, until they became too old to fly anymore, go up in flames. They weren't thrown away, or discarded in the dump; they were given a noble ceremony and handled with tender, loving care. There wasn't a dry eye in the bunch. The people of this great Country, owe our very lives to those who were not afraid, were even eager to go and fight for Old Glory. As Lee Greenwood would say "I am proud to be an American and at least I know I'm free." How does he know he (and we) are free? Because Ole Glory still proudly waves for all to see and we are still the greatest country in all the world. I felt very honored to be able to be a part of such a very touching ceremony. I received an email from my son Rob in response to this column, the following is from him.

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What my Mom didn't mention about her brother, is covered in the next line of that Lee Greenwood song, "And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me, And I'll gladly stand up next to her and defend her still today, Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God Bless the USA!." My mom's oldest brother, (Benjamin) Earl Pulliam made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have the freedom we have today. My Dad and two of his brothers were also in the service, and one of them, Raymond Miller, also gave his life for this country. I too served during Desert Storm.

If you have a flag, fly it proudly and remember those that have served, and those that have laid down their lives for the freedom we too often take for granted. If you don't have a flag, get one, the cost of a flag is a small price to pay, compared to the cost of freedom.

If you have a flag that is tattered and worn, please do not throw it in the trash, give it the respect it deserves. Either retire it properly yourself, or contact a local American Legion or VFW and they will be happy to retire it properly for you.

-- Submitted by Rob Miller