06/21/2024
As we approach the 4th of July, I decided I wanted to share something that I haven’t really shared with too many people. I am a proud American and one of the many things I hold dear to me, in addition to our Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence and the freedoms they provide, is the banner that has represented our great nation, our American Flag. I fly it proudly on my property and make sure that it is never tattered worn or discolored.
Many years ago, I was working and driving through a nearby town and I noticed an American Flag on a flagpole in front of a rather neglected looking trailer home. The flag was likewise worn and ripped. I drove to the closest Home Depot and purchased a new flag, drove back to the property with the worn flag, knocked on the door and spoke with the resident, an elderly gentleman who told me that times were tough and he couldn’t afford to replace the flag, but also didn’t want to take it down. He had served in the Army during World War II and was a proud patriot as well. I asked if I could replace his flag at no cost to him and showed him the new flag I had purchased. He became a little emotional and thanked me profusely. I walked over to the flagpole, raised and dropped the old flag while he rendered a salute, and hung and raised the new flag. Then I thanked him for his service and went on my way with his permission to properly dispose of the work flag. (Every American Legion Hall will accept the flag and dispose of it properly in a special ceremony)
I decided that day that I would always keep an extra American Flag in my car, and if I see one in need of replacement, I would knock and offer to replace and properly dispose of the worn one.
I have kept this to myself as my own secret good deed and wasn’t looking for any recognition, but recently, a conversation with a woman whose flag I replaced, got me thinking about issuing a challenge to all of my like-minded friends and family. I’m calling it the “Old Glory Challenge”, and I am asking each of you to purchase an extra flag (you can purchase them relatively inexpensively at your nearest Harbor Freight store, Home Depot or Lowe’s, or even online and have them shipped directly to your home).
Keep one or two in your car and, if you see Old Glory flying and in need of replacement, or a bare flagpole without a flag, please knock and ask if you can replace it for the homeowner.
Please don’t take a flag from someone’s property without permission, because some can be sentimental or in memory of departed loved ones.
Even if you can’t accept the challenge, please share it and help me spread the challenge across the country.
I think back to the days after September 11th, 2001, when Old Glory was flying everywhere, and believe we need to bring our nation back together one flag at a time even more today.
Thanks for reading, participating and sharing! If you accept the challenge, please let me know in the comments below and share pictures or videos of your efforts!
