Flying The Flag ...

Marlene Terry

While there's still a some time left and before we busy ourselves in the happy holiday events that occur all over America tomorrow, please "find," unroll, clean up and hang your Flag.

It's really something we should all do and much more often.

Remember the days following the 9/11 attacks?

In my lifetime I'd never seen a more far-reaching show of patriotism, pride in being an American, and love of country, than that which followed that terrifying event. ... And The Flag was everywhere.

Sadly it's not so much anymore. And it's for no reason except that with busy lives and much to do, it's easy to put important things aside.

Those who have fought in defense of our country know best what the Red, White, and Blue symbolizes and the price many have paid and continue to pay for the freedom we all enjoy. 

You'll see them everywhere — veterans at different ages and at various events and always with reverence as they repeat The Pledge of Allegiance. And whenever The Flag is displayed or passes by, you can be sure that their hands will be placed over their hearts and their eyes will be filled with tears.

Have you ever wondered what they know that we don't?

J.O. Young

I'll always be grateful for the opportunity I had while serving as a columnist for a local newspaper, to meet and get to know several veterans. Most memorable were those who saw World War II up close and personal. Talking to them was like being in the company of a living history book. And many STILL cannot tell the stories of that time without emotion. 

Of course they have gone on with their lives and many, many years have passed by. But it's as if those images are just under the surface of their skin and return immediately and with vivid recollection on days such as The Fourth of July.

J.O. Young of Nampa, Idaho was just 19 years old when he went to work for Morrison-Knudson as a carpenter. His place of work on Dec. 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor Day)? Wake Island.

Tomorrow (Independence Day) we'll share some of J.O.'s comments about the events of that day and those that followed for nearly four years, as he survived being a prisoner of war and was finally awarded the status of a US Navy veteran in recognition of his contribution to the war effort. 

... In the meantime though, let's ALL get our Flags up and flying!

♦ Hope you'll let me share your stories and photos here at my new residence "In a Nutshell." Email me at nutshellstories@gmail.com.