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Kingmi
Those bikers are my heroes! Something about the flag flying so freely on the back of those bikes always chokes me up.
posted by
bel_1965
on June 29, 2006 at 5:44 PM
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bel_1965, Great posts here. I love these guys on Harley's with the flags
To me it signals healing in a decades old rupture in America that - thank God - has not yet re-opened. Although I'm waiting for it.
posted by
kingmi
on June 29, 2006 at 12:11 PM
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BrightIrish
Thank you so much!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 29, 2006 at 6:04 AM
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YPunday
Thank you for taking the time to read. I honestly do not think most of disagree with the situation of our country would burn the flag or even consider doing so. I generally don't and won't debate the Iraq War as I come from a different place than most. I knwo what my husband thinks and feels about the situation and given he was there, I have no choice but to stand by what he believes. He was there, he witnessed the situation and for that reason alone I believes he knows better than I do.
I do understand your frustration and I can see where you are coming from, please understand that I come from a different place.
Again, I thank you for your kind words and the fact that you are willing to see where others come from...that attitude is what I believe in time will once again unite our country. 
posted by
bel_1965
on June 29, 2006 at 6:02 AM
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Now, why can't all who believe in the flag say it as reasonably
I admit, some of the lines in this post went deeper than I thought words would. I HAVE NEVER BURNED A FLAG OF ANY COUNTRY IN MY LIFE, AND EVEN THOUGH I HAD SUFFERED UNDER APARTHEID, I WILL NEVER BURN ANY FLAG. It is better to offer love, withhold harsh words, or try poetry than to further pollute this planet and suffering world. Thank you for the balanced way in which you wrote the blog. I have some words from 2 years back on the 4th of JULY. Happy Independence Day; Happy Birthday America! (But also remember the innocents who die in Iraq... young girls need to live their lives, not be shot by either side and then hide behind cover ups. War is ugly, so let's be cautious to rush our flag into war far from our shores. IRAQ did not bomb the twin towers; the man who did is NOT caught. WHY?)
posted by
ILLUMINATI8
on June 28, 2006 at 10:45 PM
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bel
This is a beautiful post and its obvious that you are speaking from your heart. I do and always will show respect for the flag and the men and woman who serve our country.
posted by
BrightIrish
on June 28, 2006 at 8:45 PM
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Timmy
Thank you!!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 7:46 PM
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bel
Thanks for writing this. I'm always good for a snappy salute
posted by
TIMMYTALES
on June 28, 2006 at 6:35 PM
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Sannhet
Thank you so much!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 12:18 PM
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VickiJean
Thank you ever so much! Aint no place like home is there?
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 12:18 PM
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Bel -
A beautiful post. For me, our flag represents the freedom that we all hold dear, even the disgusting and painful freedom to burn the flag as an expression of free speech. My Grandfather, uncle and father all served this country and though I did not serve in the military, I serve every day in trying to uphold the freedoms the flag represents.
posted by
sannhet
on June 28, 2006 at 12:16 PM
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Veteran's Wife
What a great posting. My father was a front line medic in Korea and my husband served 21 years in the Air Force with me at his side. I can't see an American flag without tearing up and while I have conflicted feelings about having an amendment banning burning, I can tell you that seeing a flag burn breaks my heart. For my family, that is a symbol of what a fortunate people we are...a fact that was driven home by living 3 years in what was then West Germany and 3 years in England. Beautiful countries with wonderful people but they ain't America!
posted by
VickieJean
on June 28, 2006 at 12:16 PM
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Curator
She was with her biological mother during the deployment and the woman was as NON-INVOLVED as any parent could be in Pam's school life. Now, she is here with us and in a bit of a more supportive enviroment. thank you!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 10:20 AM
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I came by to say thanks for visiting
and now I want to say thank you for your post.
Are kids really tormenting your little girl? What in Heaven's name has happened to us all?
posted by
curator
on June 28, 2006 at 9:59 AM
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Manda
Thank you so much!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 8:59 AM
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Bel, I always put my hand on my heart in respect
for our country. Thank you!
posted by
Amanda__
on June 28, 2006 at 8:51 AM
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Maggie
Thank you so much!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 7:59 AM
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bel, this is a wonderful post. I have been out of the Air Force for
41 years, come July 5th. I still, almost automatically, salute my flag when it passes me. I love it and all it stands for, as you so beautifully have written. Thanks.
posted by
MaggieMae
on June 28, 2006 at 7:54 AM
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Symphony
Thank you so much! As I said it is not just the American flag. Your country has paid a dear price for the freedoms that you are granted as well.
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 6:13 AM
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fionajean
I don't disagree with you about that. Every country has room for improvement and as long as people care that can happen!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 6:12 AM
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Shelly
Gandpa's are good for giving that lesson.
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 6:11 AM
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Sophistie
Thank you!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 6:10 AM
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Darkke
I don't know if we agree or disagree on that "right". As I said my opinion would not be very popular and I don't wish to debate with others as to why I think it should be illegal. I do understand their point but it's just way to personal for me. Thank you.
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 6:09 AM
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Nice Post
I appreciate your comments. From a different view, I feel many people are suffering and I would like to see more time and effort by our elected officials in that area. Like you I am not interested in controversy, just expressing an opinion.
posted by
Dr_JPT
on June 28, 2006 at 6:09 AM
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Corbin
Thank you
posted by
bel_1965
on June 28, 2006 at 6:07 AM
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Bel, you are on a roll!
Great post..........thank you for giving it to us.
posted by
Corbin_Dallas
on June 28, 2006 at 5:20 AM
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This is a beautiful post, and while we may disagree on people's "right" to burn the flag...I appreciate what you are saying and am touched by what the flag means to you.
posted by
DarrkeThoughts
on June 28, 2006 at 5:18 AM
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bel, great post!
My grandfather was in WWII. I remember growing up, he would fly the flag with a smile. He taught me how to respect the flag, and I still do to this day!
posted by
shelly_b
on June 28, 2006 at 4:53 AM
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I know exactly what you mean
I do think, however, that every country has things to be ashamed of. In South Africa, I feel it's shameful the way some of the communities respond to those with AIDs and also the child abuse in this country is awful. My sympathies for the treatment your children have recieved - those people are narrow-minded bigots. Your husband only did what he was orderded to after all.
posted by
fionajean
on June 28, 2006 at 4:47 AM
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Great post....thanks for sharing...
I may not be American, but I will always honour your flag....how could I not?
posted by
_Symphony_
on June 28, 2006 at 2:06 AM
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OK, time for me to go put my cold feet
on my sleeping husband's very warm butt...it's fun to watch him jump and cuss
. Have a great night/morning everyone!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 27, 2006 at 10:22 PM
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Wiley
Thanks Sweetheart! It is truly my favorite holiday!!!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 27, 2006 at 9:21 PM
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Rumored
Canada has been our friend for as long as we have been a country...or so it seems, I would have to actually research the history there LOL! It saddens me to see any flag treated so badly by those who fail to understand WHY they live in a country that actually gives them the right to do so without being arrested.
posted by
bel_1965
on June 27, 2006 at 9:20 PM
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Bel, everything you've said about the American flag certainly applies to...
our Canadian flag as well...our countries have fought in many of the same wars (and if our army was big enough, I'm sure we'd be in Iraq, too..:), shared the victories and the defeats ...our flags are much more than pieces of cloth..they are symbols of our freedom and all of the good things that come with freedom..
posted by
Rumor
on June 27, 2006 at 9:18 PM
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bel 1965
Good post sweetiepie.
Happy 4th of July!
posted by
WileyJohn
on June 27, 2006 at 9:17 PM
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Thanks Passion
Something about THAT photo grabbed me when I downloaded the pics. The flags just flying in the wind, somehow says it all for me.
posted by
bel_1965
on June 27, 2006 at 9:13 PM
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Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts and words-
The photo ain't too bad either.
posted by
Passionflower
on June 27, 2006 at 9:11 PM
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MountainClimber
Thank you for sharing that poem, it is wonderful!!!
posted by
bel_1965
on June 27, 2006 at 9:03 PM
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Justi
Thank you. I am giving some thought to taking the photos I have taken over the past year and maybe adding a few of all of the flags from various places and moment and putting them together in some kind of book. Not sure what I will do with it from there, but it will at least be something to offer to my grandkids.
posted by
bel_1965
on June 27, 2006 at 9:01 PM
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bel 1965
Dear little one that is such a great post. So much heart and soul. I will have my flag flapping on the front of my house. I will always salute the flag and those who live here and do not wish to do so, should take a holiday by a canal in Florida where nature is interactive...Man and Gator.
posted by
Justi
on June 27, 2006 at 8:58 PM
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Bel 1965, A well written post. We all should soberly
consider many of your points. Your sharing about the Iraqi man reminded me of a poem I wrote, you might like to read
Go to A BRIGHT LIGHT IN IRAQ
posted by
MountainClimber57
on June 27, 2006 at 8:49 PM
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