I looked earnestly online for a pic that best represents the spirit of this July 4th for me.
There are many wonderful images. None seemed quite right.
This one is from my personal collection. I took it atop the former Russian hangar we occupied in Baledogle, Somalia in early 1993.
It represents our nation and our people in deeply meaningful ways to me.
When returning to base after a long day (or more) ‘out and about’, it stood tall as a beacon reminding me of our purpose, inspiring me in the face of various challenges, and refocusing me on the bigger picture.
Seeing it wave above the fray gave me important reminders of all it represents: the ideals of our founding fathers, the expectations of American citizens, the hopes and dreams of countless people around the world who seek freedom, and the sacrifice of so many who’ve fought and died to create, protect, preserve, and improve America and the world.
The tattered flag you see here was brand new when we arrived. Like each of us who served under it, the flag eventually began to show some wear and tear… but it continued to stand tall and fly proudly.
On this July 4th, I celebrate it all. The glory, the sacrifice, the ideals, the challenge, the opportunity and so much more. And I thank God for all of it.
May God bless America!
