What the flag means to me

Veterans’ Voices is directed toward veterans and their families who have given so much to ensure our freedom in this country. This is an area where you may share your experiences, or read of other veterans’ experiences. We thank you for your service, and hope that you know how much you are loved and appreciated.

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When I see “Ole Glory,” I have many thoughts race through my mind. Some of them good and some of them bad.

However, every time I see the American flag, a sense of pride builds up inside of me.

I remember many conversations with people about what the flag means to them. They told me it means “Freedom, sacrifice; it waves over the Land of the Free. It means God bless America, something bigger than ourselves that stand for us as a whole, etc.” I think of all the men and women who didn’t come home from war and their surviving families. They are the ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who did come home sacrificed as well.