[DoughtyOne]

I came pretty close to dying a couple of times back in the 90s.

In my life to that point, I almost never shed a tear. I would feel bad about something, but tears very seldom came. I’d gauge it something like year in-between tears.

After my brushes with death, things changed. I don’t know why, but there are times now when I tear up a bit. Doesn’t bother me.

I’m not a big promoter of men welling up in tears. If it happens for a tough guy, no big deal. If it doesn’t, again, no big deal.

We all express our inner thoughts differently.

There are times now, when the conditions are right, if a big event like 09/11/01 has taken place, I might get a bit emotional about our flag and our anthem.

I love our anthem as much as our flag. It always reminds me of the cost of freedom. Thank God for good leaders, the men and women who have fought for this nation, and have defended it from adversaries.

Our flag is a thing of beauty, and coupled together they are a very emblematic for freedom.

Long may our flag wave, and the sounds of our nation anthem reflect what a devout nation we are, when it comes to freedom not only at home, but around the world.

I pity the day (nation and world) our flag is no longer seen and our anthem is no longer heard.

[DoughtyOne]

[ConorMacNessa]

"I pity the day (nation and world) our flag is no longer seen and our anthem is no longer heard."

That day will be the darkest day in recorded History, Doughty One. That would be the day when all of the achievements of Western Civilization, of which the United States of America is the crowning jewel, would reel back into the Beast.

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."

[Kathy in Alaska]

LONG MAY SHE WAVE!!

Just watching her wave and trying to sing the Star Spangled Banner is a toughy for me. I understand.