Thursday, July 3, 2008

Photostory Friday: Flags

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

   "The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man, is eternal vigilance."
                                                                                    --John Philpot Curran 


   I think I may have told this story before, but, in honor of Independence Day, here is my favorite flag story:
   Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, American flags, across the nation, were sold and sold out. They were everywhere, from houses to businesses to the antennae of cars. I received my first flag, at that time, from my best friend. I had no flag pole yet -- they were sold out too -- so I decided to hang the flag from the eaves of our front porch.

 
   My oldest daughter, Jordan, was just barely four at that time, and I assumed -- and to be honest, I hoped -- that she was unaware of what was happening in the world. But, I thought hanging up the flag would provide me an opportunity to talk to Jordan, and to teach her about the nation she lived in, and the promises and ideals that the American flag stands for. Well, children are observant creatures, sometimes we teach them, more often, they teach us.
 
   As we hung it up, I asked Jordan "Do you know why it's important that we fly the American flag?" 
   I expected her to answer "No," then I could go on with my lecture about honor and sacrifice and self evident truths. Instead, she said this, "If we take the flags down, the planes will crash again."


   I guess it really is as simple as that.
   Happy Independence Day!

13 comments:

Robyn said...

Great story with your photos.

Aaron said...

"'Mankind.' That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!"

Alex @ I'm the Mom said...

I cried.

Beautiful post, gorgeous pictures, amazing meaning.

Pam Emmons said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pam Emmons said...

Ok, I deleted the last comment... I knew you would do a cool 4th of July PSF! Oh, and I like Aaron's quote from Independence Day...are you proud of me for knowing that?!

Chris said...

Nice job Pam. That quote from Independence Day actually chokes me up. How dumb is that?

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

WOW.ZA. OF ALL the flag shots I've seen and posts I've read - yours definitely TAKES THE CAKE. You have an absolute gift and I hope you know that.

WELL. DONE!

Cecily R said...

These photos are STUNNING. I'm with MG. You truly have a gift.

Your works perfectly with the pictures. When it comes to this kind of stuff, I'm beginning to think kids know more than we do. At least more than I do.

GREAT PSF. As usual.

P.S. That part Independence DAy makes me misty every time I see it. Course, I also cried when Donna and David finally got married. And if you get THAT reference you are so, SO 90s. :)

Unknown said...

Out of the mouths of babes. That made me tear up. It really is as simple as that.

Happy 4th!

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I love you pictures and the story is very good. Thanks for sharing.

Supercool Hotmama said...

Now I'm feeling all weepy and patriotic! Thanks for the sweet reminder!

LingoVise Says... said...

outstanding photos! love those first two... so emotional.

enjoy your weekend, be safe ;)

United Studies said...

Beautiful post!! Thank you for sharing the photos and the story.