WHAT THE FLAG MEANS TO ME

While at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, I was looking at our American flag, as I always do. Most of the time it is flapping in the wind, or on rare occasions, it is still. And I thought—what does the flag mean to me?

When I was young, I didn’t think much about wars. My father and uncles were in World War II and the Korean War. They never spoke about what happened. I learned much later that I was being shielded from the reality of war.

But then the Vietnam War came along. Immediate family members and friends went to war. This is when it hit me… they may not come back. At that time, there was a lot of controversy.

Now that I volunteer at the cemetery to honor those who served, our motto is “No veteran is buried alone.” I feel that the flag means different things to different people. Today, I had a lady who was receiving her husband’s flag. She was holding onto it too hard and was thanking me. It should be me thanking her husband—for his sacrifices, for his commitment.

So, to me, the flag means faith, love, honor, and unfortunately, death. I believe these veterans fight for one thing: to bring freedom and honor to all of us.

Context note: At Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, the American flag is flown at half-staff on any day a veteran is buried. On other days, it flies at full staff unless ordered to be lowered.

This reflection is beautifully echoed in the following poem, which captures the meaning of the flag in words that continue to endure.

A Toast To The Flag

John J. Daly

Here’s to the red of it—

There’s not a thread of it,

No, nor a shred of it,

In all the spread of it,From foot to head,

But heroes bled for it,

Faced steel and lead for it,

Precious blood shed for it,

Bathing it red!

Here’s to the white of it—

Thrilled by the sight of it,

Who knows the right of it,

But feels the might of it,

Through day and night?

Womanhood’s care for it,

Made manhood dare for it,

Purity’s prayer for it,

Keeps it so white!

Here’s to the blue of it—

Beauteous view of it,

Heavenly hue of it,

Star-spangled dew of it,

Constant and true;

Diadem gleam for it,

States stand supreme for it,

Liberty’s beam for it,

Brightens the blue!

Here’s to the whole of it—

Stars, stripes and pole of it,

Body and soul of it,

O, and the roll of it,

Sun shining through;

Hearts in accord for it,

Swear by the sword for it,

Thanking the Lord for it,Red, White, and Blue!

Watch the accompanying video reflection here: https://youtu.be/r5qlTaNU1d8?si=PHnRDg-dJQolCdwH

Nancy Robinson, OWRL Secretary, joined OWRL to honor her father, a veteran laid to rest at OWRNC. A dedicated member of our Salute Team and a devout volunteer in her everyday life, Nancy’s service is grounded in empathy, devotion, and a heartfelt commitment to ensuring every veteran receives the dignity they deserve.