Our Flag....

This story starts last Tuesday. While on our way to the monthly FRG meeting the kids and I just happened to hear the first notes of retreat. I know the kids have heard this before, since we are an Army family. Of course this is usually just an ordinary part of the day.....until the kids saw the flag detail lowering the flag as we drove past. (yes you can drive on Ft Carson during retreat) The fact that they were taking the colors away was greatly upsetting to them. They did not understand why they were taking it away. Today as we drove past on our way to the commissary, they all wanted to hear the music for the flag. Of course it is a little bit early, so I explain that we will have to wait for about fifteen minutes before it happens. If you have children you know 15 minutes is an eternity, especially in a vehicle. Today, though, they all sat and waited for retreat to sound. This made me think of my days as a Soldier. When I would check my watch to see if I could make it to my vehicle in time so I wouldn't have to pay my respects to the stars and stripes. and here say my children on a cold November day in awe of the small ceremony signifying the end of the day and respect given to our stars and stripes. As young as they are they are very curious and very intuitive. They could see the few Soldiers on the detail as well as a few that had been on their way somewhere, saluting as retreat was sounded. When retreat was over and we got ready to leave, my oldest says, "that was very beautiful, we should come and respect every day." All I could think was WOW!! Here is a 5 yr old child and she sees this symbol as more than just a flag. I imagine she sees this as a symbol that some day her Daddy will be home. If only more of us were as innocent as children. If only more of us could see the beauty in our history and our symbols of freedom.................