The Flag

What do I think of when I think of the flag? I think of saying the pledge of allegiance as a child. I think of parades. I think of the famous flag raising at Iwo Jima , during WWII.
I think of the one in a display case in my home. It flew over a base in Afghanistan. It was a gift to me from my son, when he returned from serving in the Army there.
I think of a tiny flag on a wooden stick I stuck in the ground at my father-in-law's grave. I think back to his funeral.
I think of my uncle who served in two wars. I think of how he quietly carried with him the images and events experienced during those wars. I think of his uniform hanging at the ready in his home the day he died.
I think of a cold day in January when they buried my brother-in-law. I think of the precise disciplined movements of the hands of the honor guard, as they folded the flag that would be presented to my sister-in-law. I think of the sound of the lone bugler as he played taps. I think of the 21 gun salute.
I think of the flag draped over the coffins of those returning from Iraq, and Afghanistan who have paid the ultimate price.
Most of all, I think of how the flag speaks for those who served in the military, after they can no longer speak for themselves.
Whether they were killed in action, or they lived to tell the story of those who died, the flag says I served, I deserve to be honored, and I deserve to be remembered.