An Amazing Man

I am the proud daughter of a United States Army retiree. Because of this I have the priviledge of being aquainted with some of the finest men and women. This weekend I had the opportunity to attend the retirement of our good friend Chris and to honor the amazing man that he is.

Mom and I met Chris & Cathy when we were stationed at Fort Ord, California about twenty year ago. Chris was assigned as our home teacher and I must say he is the best Home Teacher we have ever had. Chris also ended up being my Seminary Teacher at one point. I baby sat their kids and our families have stayed in touch through all of the years and moves.

I am grateful for the friendship that we have with Chris and his family and for the amazing example that he is to me.

To see all of the pictures from the event go here

Also during the ceremony the color guard did a presentation of the flag and the following poem was read and I thought it very touching and wanted to share.

I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher,
my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am honored - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected -- and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon Vietnam.
Know me,
I was there.

I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me, And I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country. And when it's by those whom I've served in battle -- it hurts.
But I shall overcome -- for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all
of America's finest hours.

But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldiers,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY

Dear God - Long may I wave.