With bowed head

Outside my window, the flag hangs. I cannot look at the flag without feeling proud of my father, without recalling the lessons he gave me about respecting the flag, and honoring my country.

Today I look at the flag and think of another father. Of my friend whose father I never met. He died while defending his country, our country, my country. I think about him today. I say a prayer for my friend. I say a prayer for the many many others who have lost their lives in combat on behalf of our country, for their families and for the children who grow up missing a parent as my friend did, and yet remain ever so proud of their sacrifice.


Stantis, Birmingham News