"And Now They See Defeat"

Our enemies have made the mistake that America's enemies always make: they saw liberty & thought they saw weakness. And now, they see defeat." - George W. Bush  It has been nine years since the attack on our country. I'll never forget that day, sitting in my high school Biology class with the television on. We were all in complete shock, our attention focused entirely on the horrific news. When I went home that day, I sat in front of the television again & found myself crying. How could you not cry on that day? And then, our incredible nation came together as one. Pride & patriotism could be seen in every city.  Flags on nearly every car window & ribbons hung in all the neighborhoods.  How comforting it was to see America this way, rallying as one against our enemies.

In these past nine years, we have seen a decrease in that patriotism. We're again focused on the politics of everything, pointing our finger to put the blame on someone else. Instead, let us focus on the brave men & women who fight each day to keep our great nation safe from another terrible attack. Let us remember that we belong to the greatest country in the world, but that we make that true! Without us, without our commitments & pride, everything that makes America so great is lost.  We are America.

{This incredible photo from FoxNews.Com}

Living overseas has made me really miss some simple yet profound things about my country, & most of all I miss this: our patriotism. Everyone loves their homeland, but there's nothing like American pride!!!  Flags, fireworks, national songs!  I know I'm proud to be an American!  And I know that we will always fight to protect what we love!

So as we remember September 11th today, think of all those who lost their lives in the attack. Think of their families who miss them dearly each day. Think of our brave troops who are dedicating their lives to prevent this from ever happening again. And think of how much you love America, the greatest nation in the world. Don't forget your pride & patriotism. It is what makes us great!

The Blue Star Service Flag

During World War I, Army Captain Robert L. Queisser had two sons serving in the front lines of battle.  In order to show his pride for his two courageous boys, Captain Queisser created what is now known as the Service Flag: a rectangular shaped banner with a red border surrounding a star for each service member.  Mothers across the nation quickly began to display the Service Flag during World War II, many of them making the flag by hand!

In the movie Saving Private Ryan, you can see a Service Flag flying at Mrs. Ryan's home.

In 1917, the Congressional Record stated: "The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother is their children."

While the Service Flag began as a symbol for a child's service, the Department of Defense has since authorized the flag to be displayed for any family member serving during a time of war.  {You can read more specific information about the guidelines for displaying the flag here, at the Blue Star Mothers of America website.}

A few of my neighbors have this flag hung in their front window, & it wasn't until I looked it up online that I knew what it was.  The Service Flag is a beautiful way to show your pride, loyalty, & love for your military loved one.  I knew that I should have one to display while Don is serving.  And so, I quickly found a flag on Etsy.Com to purchase, & it is in a unique form: stained glass!  {On the right is shown an old Service Flag, originally called the "Sons of Service" flag, from Carleton College.}

I think that this is going to be a really beautiful way to display my own Service Flag!  I've always really liked the look of stained glass, plus I know the colors on this piece will never fade!  Just like the pride that I have for my military husband ♥

And if I'm really good, perhaps I will get around to making my own Service Flag or Service Flag Quilt!

If you have a loved on who is currently serving during this war time, do you have a Service Flag on display?  If you don't & you would like to change that, there are many sites online that sell the flag.  ServiceFlags.Com has quite a variety to choose from, & even jewelry!  There is also SaratogaFlag.Com, a shop that sells very traditional looking Service Flags.  I like these!  Or, for a faster fix, click here for a printable version of the one-star Service Flag.

God Bless America & Our Troops!  ♥

Because Of The Brave!

After Church this afternoon {yes, my Church meets at 3pm! We have to share the Post Chapel, you see!}, I will be celebrating this wonderful day on Post while watching fireworks & The Lieutenant Dan Band! You know, Gary Sinise, Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump! Now there is a proud supporter of our incredible Military! Thank you! ♥

O'er the land of the free, & the home of the brave!  Happy Fourth of July, everyone!  What a wonderful holiday this is--without a doubt one of my favorites.  When I was little, I enjoyed the ice cream & the fireworks, the day with my family, the songs.  As I grew older, especially knowing more about my Dad's service in the Air Force during Vietnam, then after September 11th, I developed an emotional connection with this holiday.  Goosebumps all over my arms during the singing of the National Anthem, little tears in my eyes as I watched the people of our incredible country show their patriotism.  Now....well, now this holiday is even more personal.  Its very meaning embodies the most important part of my life: my husband, my soldier, his men.  Now, I cannot help but be overcome during each song, during each wave of our American Flag, during the fireworks shows.  How could I not?  My heart is far away fighting for our freedom & for the freedom of others.  And I couldn't be more proud!  Yes, it's tough, but it's what I want.  I want him.  And I'll always stand proudly by his side.

A photo of my husband's men shooting in Afghanistan.  There is nothing to compare to our brave soldiers!  ♥

Please, today as you laugh with friends & family, as you eat your ice cream & watch your fireworks, please stop for a moment & remember all those who have dedicated their lives to serving our beautiful America.  Please say a prayer for the families of those who have given it all to protect our freedom.  Please, if you see a soldier this year, give him or her your brightest smile.  Let them know that their selfless service does not go unappreciated.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home!