A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-3-05....Military Monday

Billie, The Mayor

[luvie]

RAGGED OLD FLAG
By John R. Cash, © 1974 House of Cash, Inc.

I walked through a county courthouse square,
On a park bench an old man was sitting there.
I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down."
He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town."
I said, "Your old flagpole has leaned a little bit,
And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it."

He said, "Have a seat," and I sat down.
"Is this the first time you've been to our little town?"
I said, "I think it is." He said, "I don't like to brag,
But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag.

"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there when
Washington took it across the Delaware.
And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key
Sat watching it writing Say Can You See.
And it got a bad rip in New Orleans
With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seems.

"And it almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on though.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag.

"On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha gun.
She turned blood red in World War II.
She hung limp and low by the time it was through. She was in Korea and Vietnam.
She was sent where she was by her Uncle Sam.

"She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,
And now they've about quit waving her back here at home.
In her own good land here she's been abused --
She's been burned, dishonored, denied, and refused.

"And the government for which she stands
Is scandalized throughout the land.
And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin,
But she's in good shape for the shape she's in.
'Cause she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more.

"So we raise her up every morning, take her down every night.
We don't let her touch the ground and we fold her up right.
On second thought, I do like to brag,
'Cause I'm mighty proud of the
Ragged Old Flag."
~~~~~~~~~
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS
GOD BLESS AMERICA
~~~~~~~~~

[GodBlessUSA]

Woo Hoo! this is gorgeous Luv!!

[luvie]

Thanks, GB!

[Temple Owl]

Thanks so much for your thoughts. There is no joy in mudville today.

[Billie]

Oh, Temple, I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Ink. I hope that she won't *be* in pain before she dies on her own. But I know that you won't let her suffer. Bless her little heart - it's so hard to lose one of our loyal friends. She will go to Doggie Heaven, be sure of that.

(((((((((((Temple & Maggie & Ink)))))))))))))

[LadyX]

Thank you for this beautiful presentation of our American Flag, Luvvy.
It brings poignant memories of its display throughout my lifetime - as a child in WWII, proudly unfurled throughout the world in victory against unspeakable enemies - during "my" war, The Korean Conflict - and in so many areas of the world, as it became necessary.

One flag in my mind is especially poignant, seen in the Marine Corps History Museum at Parris Island. In the WWII displays was a flag contributed by a Marine who had fought in a fierce battle in the South Pacific against the Japanese, and it was flown when they persevered and won; hoisted with pride, at great cost. It was a bit tattered and stained with the blood of his comrades - but more precious than gold, representing *all* the sons and daughters who fought simultaneously on every continent except Antarctica!

It is totally laughable to us who witnessed this, with the liberals carping we are "bogged down in Iraq" and cannot handle other areas and disaster areas - - our parents' generation was spread thin, poorly equipped and fed; had archaic planes, and trucks and tanks difficult to maneuver over rough terrain - and had supply lines stretched like fragile rubber bands.
We (including children) in America sacrificed daily in our own personal lives to give them the best we could.

To us, the things detractors today bring up are appalling...the American Spirit back then saw challenges - steadfastly rose together to meet them - and did not endlessly whine about "how impossible/tough it was"...

The Wake Up Call has been brought forth, though, and we are more than ever determined our children and grandchildren will have a stronger America.

[Need I point out the thrill it was for me to as Guidon Bearer for Company "A" in the Dedication Ceremony for the Iwo Jima Monument on the Parade Deck at Parris Island to carry Old Glory, literally leading the parade of eight full Companies?! It doesn't get any more special than that.]

[Temple Owl]

Tribune7 is wearing a long face today too. Actually she was his pooch.

[Billie]

"That eagle is America! Harm him, you harm us all!
And though wounded, I assure you, that eagle will not fall!"

God Bless American and Our Troops!

[DollyCali]

Great Table Luv! wonderful post for Military Monday.

[Billie]

Tribune7 is wearing a long face today too. Actually she was his pooch.

(((((((((((Tribune7)))))))))))))))

I am sad for all of you. It never gets easier, no matter how many pets we lose, does it?

[Tribune7]

Very true.

[luvie]

You amaze me with the number of wonderful stories you can relate on anything military! I hope you are writing or have written a book of your memories! They are so lively!

[DollyCali]

I had never seen that poem before billie..quite moving.. and set off in the pastel/subdued tones.. neat. hope your monday is going well. had a nice river walk with pooches, did some housework (shock) and need to get ready for meeting tongiht. It is a pot luck dinner & so after my bath will finish putting together my "master salad".. We are having wonderful weather. The next few days will be in low 80s & then Thurs on in low 60s (if we are lucky).

[luvie]

Beautiful Billie! Love the eagle!

[luvie]

Thank you Dolly! This is my favorite day of the week....Military Monday!

[DollyCali]

Hi tribune.. I don't think we have "met" yet. I feel very badly about your pup's diagnosis.. I know you must have a very heavy heart right now. As I told your hubby, we are here for you. As impersonal as that might seem, we are REAL people with strong attachments to our friends here & share pain & do understand.

[DollyCali]

Luv, I have found each day is interesting.. Tuesday? what neat treasure will Billie present? Wed.. same but from whom? thursday to open up JH2's treasure chest of political satire & the weekend when we are all hit & miss but when time is there we kick in with fun/interesting things. I love the Monday thread, it usually is my busiest day of week & I dont' get to post "heavily".

Snugs, will look for the Dose, but wont get there until late as I wont get home til 11 or so

[deadhead]

I am so sorry to read that Ink is so ill. I feel so bad for all of you. Tears here. I know how much you love Ink. My Prayers are with all of you and with your dear pup, Ink. Hugs to all and please give Ink a gentle pat on his head from me.

Take Care.

Thanks for the ping, Billie

Colleen

[luvie]

They ARE each unique in their own way, but I have just a special place in my heart for the military. I do look forward to each and every thread presented here, though sometimes I can't spend as much time as I'd like visiting. Too many things--not enough time! *sigh*

[Tribune7]

Thank you both very much. It is appreciated.