Argyle High School - Treasured Echoes Yearbook (Argyle, WI)

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I’M THE SAME OLD FLAG! Hello! Remember me? Some people coll me Old Glory, others call me the Stars and Stripes, I have also been referred to as The Star Spangled Banner. But, whatever they call me, I am your Flag, or, as I proudly state ... the Flag of the United States of America. There is something that has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you . . . because it’s about you and me. I remember some time ago, I think it was Memorial Day, people were lined up on both sides of the street to watch the parade. The town’s high school band was behind me, and naturally, I was leading the parade. When your daddy saw me coming along, waving in the breeze, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder so that his right hand was directly over his heart. Remember? And you. Yes, I remember you. Standing there straight as a soldier. You didn’t have a hat, but you were giving the correct salute. They taught you in school to place your right hand over your head Remember little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you. Oh, I was very proud as I came down your street. There were some soldiers home on leave and they were standing at attention giving the military salute. Also, some V.F.W. veterans with their caps at jaunty angles were saluting smartly. Ladies as well as the men, paid me the reverence I deserve. What has happened? I’m still the same old Flag. Oh, I’ve had a couple more stars added since you were a boy. A lot more blood has been shed since that Memorial Day parade long ago. Dad is gone now. The home town has a new look. The last time I came down your street, I saw that some of the old landmarks were gone, but in their place, shining majestically in the sun, were a number of new buildings and homes. Yessir, the old home town sure has changed. But now ... I don’t feel as proud as I used to. When I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets and give me a small glance then look or turn away. When I think of all the places I’ve been . . . Anzio, Guadalcanal, Battle of the Bulge, Korea, and now, Vietnam; I wondered what’s happened? I’m the same old Flag. But now I see children running around and shouting as I pass by. They don't seem to know who I am. I saw an old man take his hat off, and then look around. He didn’t see anybody else with theirs off, so he quickly put his back on. Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls sometime. Look at the names of those who never came back and are resting 'neath white crosses on a far away shore. Some of them were friends or relatives of yours . . . maybe even went to school with you. That’s who you’re saluting . . . when you revere me. Well, it won’t be long until I come down your street again. So when you see me, stand straight, place your hand over your heart, and you’ll see me waving back. My salute to you. I’ll show you that I too, remember! WISCONSIN ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Second And Third Light Truck Platoon 1158th Transportation Company 901 Eighteenth Avenue Monroe, Wisconsin