"Thanks for the reminder, Woody.
Here it is for all 'our brothers and sisters who have served,
and are serving our country today.'"
The United States Flag is a symbol of unity.
It stands for a country that is UNITED and represents all the brave men and women who fought and died for it.
The flag is not a rag, shirt, pants, etc.
The flag is what I stand for, fight for and will die for if I have to.
Americans created the flag; and Americans from the North and South fought under it. I will continue to teach my children what this country is about and hope they will grow up to be good Patriots. I love this country and there is no other country where you can come and go as you please. Any man or woman who will not pledge allegiance to the flag, I feel should go and live in another country.
Our ancestors were Americans and fought under an American Flag. Other countries have tried to change us and make us like them and have not succeeded in doing so. This country is not perfect and I feel leaves a lot to be desired. It's the men and women like you that will stand up for this country and try to make it a better place to live. There are men and women who are fighting for this country today, who believe in the flag and what it stands for, who believe in freedom.
My wife and I have not always agreed on the politics of this country or why I am such a strong patriot. Out of eight and a half years I spent in the Navy my wife was with me for six and a half of those years as a Navy wife. We spent two of the years overseas and she can agree that there is no place like home. I served under the United States flag as my father did and other relatives of mine. I said it once and I will say it again, I am a patriot I stand for the flag and it stands for FREEDOM.
I love my heritage and being from the south, I had no choice in where I was born. God has put us all on this earth for a reason. In the eyes of God we are all brothers and sisters and should all try and get along with one another. I must say this, anyone who will not pledge allegiance to the United States Flag is no brother or sister of mine. All of my brothers and sisters are just as proud as I am to be an American.
May God Bless Us All.
Woody Bond
US NAVY (VET.)