A Proud History

         “Papa, why do you do that?”

         The frail, aged man lowered his hand and looked down at the small tawny haired boy.  A kind smile lit his face and warmed his faded blue eyes.

         “Do what, Alex?” Papa asked; his voice gentle and slightly quavery with his advanced age.

         Alex looked up at his great-grandfather, his blue eyes inquisitive, “Get up early to raise the flag then salute it at night and take it down?  Wouldn’t it be easier to either leave it up or leave it down?”

         Papa chuckled and held a gnarled hand out for Alex to take.  Alex put his small, soft, unblemished hand into the old man’s wrinkled and spotted one and slowly, Papa aided by his cane, they walked over to the old wooden porch where Papa’s rocking chair sat.  The chair was angled so that Papa could enjoy the mid-summer evening breeze that made the flag wave gently.

         Papa’s old bones creaked just a bit as he sat in the rocking chair.  Alex climbed carefully into Papa’s lap, remembering Momma’s words that Papa was fragile and should be treated extra gentle.  Papa put his arms around his great-grandson, his weathered face smiling and his eyes distant.

         “Alex, you’re right, it would be easier to just leave it up, but that flag is very important for many reasons and I do what I do out of respect.  Do you remember in your scouting meeting when the scout master talked about how that flag is the symbol of our country?”

         “Yes,” Alex answered.

         “Well, son, every soldier and patriot who has ever fought for our country has fought for the freedom that that flag represents.  I fly it to honor the great service that they do for our country.”

         “But why do you salute it before you bring it down?”

         “That is what I was taught.  When I was much, much younger, I was a soldier.” Papa said quietly.

         “You were?” Alex said with awe softening his voice.

         “I was.  I was in the Army during World War II.  I was very young, but very proud to fight for that flag and her freedoms.”

         “Wow!  A real soldier.  That is so cool.  Did you have a gun?”

         “Alex, you’re right, it was cool, but it was scary too.  There were times when I thought I’d never see home again, never see my family again.”

         Alex’s young face fell as he thought about Papa’s solemn words.  It would be horrible to not see his Momma again.

         “But it was something I was glad to do.  And I did make it home.  When I did, I met your Great-Nana.  She was so very beautiful when we got married.” Papa said with a soft, reminiscent smile.  “Together, we had three sons, good strong boys who I was very proud of.  When they were all grown, all three of them married lovely young ladies.”

         “Where are they now?” Alex asked.

         “They have all passed on now.  Daniel, your grandfather is one of the reasons I salute the flag every day.”

         “Why, Papa?”

         “Because he was in the Army too.  When he was twenty six, he was killed in action during the Vietnam War.  He left behind your Granny Bea and your daddy, who was four years old.”

         Alex was quiet for a long moment as a sad feeling settled over him.  His daddy had only been four when his dad died?  Alex looked at his great-grandfather and saw tears in the old man’s eyes.

         “We also fly that flag to remember your daddy, Alex.  I know you don’t remember him, but he was a very brave soldier too.  I was very proud when Jake decided to join the Army and very sad when he was killed in Afghanistan.  I salute the flag every day to remember Daniel and Jake and all of the other soldiers who have died to protect me and you and to remember all of my friends that I lost in World War II.  I raise it quickly every morning and slowly at night the way I was taught.  I would salute the whole time that it takes to lower it, but because I am only one old man, I cannot do both.”

         “But why do you put it up and down?”

         “Because only special places get to keep the flag up all day and all night.  And while you are very special and this place is special because you’re here, we are not special enough and I don’t have a light to shine on it.” Papa explained patiently.

         “Will you fly it for me when I join the Army?” Alex asked and Papa chuckled again.

         “Alex, I will proudly fly it for you, but I think your Momma wants to see you wait a bit before you join, you are only seven after all.”

         “Can I help you take the flag down tonight, Papa?”

         “Certainly.  You can honor it while I lower it.”

         “How do I do that?”

         “Just like you do when the Star Spangled Banner plays, with your hand over your heart, standing tall and proud.”

         “But you salute it,” Alex countered in confusion.

         “Because I was in the Army.  When you are in the Army, you will salute it too.”

         “Did my daddy help you?” Alex asked after a thoughtful moment.

         “He did.  And now, we must bring the flag down, the sun is setting.”  Papa said, nudging Alex gently.  Alex left Papa’s lap and waited patiently for Papa to stand and balance with his cane.  Alex left the porch with Papa, his eyes fixed on the waving flag high on the pole.  Papa handed Alex his cane and waited for Alex to put his hand on his chest.  Alex watched solemnly, his hand feeling the strong beat of his heart as Papa lowered the flag.  He thought of the picture of his dad that sat on his shelf and felt a surge of pride, his heart beating just a bit faster.  As the flag slowly made its way down the pole, Alex could almost see his grandfather, Daniel, and his daddy, Jake, standing next to him, their hands saluting sharply at their brow while Papa pulled the lanyard and with all his heart, he wanted to make them proud… to show his respect for them and the beautiful flag in Papa’s hands.

1063 words