Normally, I would be the first to shudder at the sight of our beloved Flag tattered, faded, and barely hanging on to its post. But there is usually a bigger story behind the one garnering all of the attention and, in Mr. Haros’ case, this definitely applies. The worn flag that flies proudly at his Fresno home was posted as a promise to his son, Corporal Paul Haros who is serving his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq. The loving father (himself a proud US Veteran) pledged to his son that this same flag would wave until the young Corporal's safe return from war. x
Mr. Haros' son has been serving in Iraq long enough for the flag to become weather-worn and shredded. Yet, this flag continues to wave. This flag has been battered about by wind and rain and is nearly bleached from the sweltering sun. Yet it is undeniably still a US Flag, still a very recognizable symbol of freedom and bravery.
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Just like this flag, Corporal Haros and his fellow Soldiers have been subjected to horrible, extreme conditions: sweltering weather, hideous living quarters, and many other burdens too numerous to count. Yet he too continues to march on, serving as an undeniable symbol of that which America should be most proud of: the unselfishness of those willing to sacrifice their own lives for the preservation of the very freedom we civilians take way too much for granted.
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Instead of criticizing Mr. Haros for this tattered flag that continues to wave strong, perhaps his neighbors should remind themselves how fortunate we are that today’s young men and women are just as dedicated to serving their country as all who have served over the past 233 years.
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Carry on, Soldiers. You are doing a fine job.
14 comments:
I agree 100%, Mr. Haros should honor the promise he made to his son. As a father of 2 young children, I can only say that his promise to his son far outweighs the condition of that flag. A flag is a symbol, a symbol of the freedoms and rights guaranteed by the many men and women who have sacrificed to guarantee those rights. But his son, his son is not a symbol, but the actual person who made the sacrifice. I am sure that tattered flag can handle a few more days to see that boy walk up the driveway.
I am in 100% support of Mr. Haros. Here is a man that loves his son and country, he is just another example of what makes America great.
Thank you Mr. Haros for standing up for what you believe. I will share a fox hole with you any day because I know you have my back.
I'm quite certain the flag that Francis Scott Key wrote about in our National Anthem was in no better shape when it waved in all it's glory.
If the public really felt so bad about the condition of the flag someone could of brought a high reach basket and some thread to patch up the flag while still on the pole.
Mr. Haros is demonstrating his patriotism, a quality that is commendable especially since he as a Vietnam vet received little respect. I am proud of Mr. Haros and his son. Thank you for keeping our country free.
Thanks to all who support our Soldiers, past and present.
Mr. Kolb, I especially like your words to Mr. Haros ("I will share a fox hole with you any day because I know you have my back.") I'm certain Mr. Haros would be proud.
And Dory, your statement ("I'm quite certain the flag that Francis Scott Key wrote about in our National Anthem was in no better shape when it waved in all it's glory.") is indeed the perfect sentiment.
At first glance, I would tend to want to admonish this man for the state of this flag, but, as is often the case, learning the back story brings understanding and enlightenment.
God speed to both Haros!
I also agree with Mr. Haros...our soldiers, sailors and marines are risking everything they have over there. I am also a former member of the U.S. Navy and I am married to a former Marine and I am the product of a U.S. Air Force retiree. I was born and bred to believe Patriotism is the number responsibility and honor for all U.S. citizens. I know the condition of that flag is concerning to some but I have to agree with other comments...If it bothered them sooo much, why didn't help or offer to mend it.
It is a sad state of affairs when our military forces are depleted to a level that our fighting men and women have to serve multiple tours of duty in a war without a "shore rotation".
God bless that tattered torn flag and God bless Mr. Haros and most importantly God bless all the men and women that are giving their lives to defend our freedom.
I agree 100%, Mr. Haros should honor the promise he made to his son. As a father of 2 young children, I can only say that his promise to his son far outweighs the condition of that flag. A flag is a symbol, a symbol of the freedoms and rights guaranteed by the many men and women who have sacrificed to guarantee those rights. But his son, his son is not a symbol, but the actual person who made the sacrifice. I am sure that tattered flag can handle a few more days to see that boy walk up the driveway.
It's a beautiful site no matter what condition she's in; but particularly when she's remaining faithful to young man who's putting his life on the line for her.
Long may she wave.
She's becoming metaphorically more and more tattered by this administration, if you don't mind my saying, ...but at least SHE IS STANDING. We're going to have to really START STANDING, too....
Good post. May the Haros son come home soon, in one piece, and may he feel our deep gratitute for his service.
I hope Mr. Haros knows he has ALOT of supporters outside of his neighborhood =)
amen windy!
I would have to say that I'm in total support of Mr. Haros.
I go further. Mr. Haros has just created a family heirloom. Think of that. When his son does come home, I'd wish that Mr. Haros did NOT dispose of the flag. Instead, it should be folded as best it can, and presented to his son in honor of services rendered.
You know, there is a practice where the Government hoists flags to fly for ten seconds or so over the Capitol building or the White House, and then Congressmen or Senators will send said flag out to constituents. Meaningless flags, when you get right down to it.
The Haros flag has meaning. It flew for however long, the provenance is known, and should be considered a family heirloom, passed down with the stories of why it was flown, and the feats of Mr. Haros' son attached.
That's what I wish for this flag. Mr. Haros, I salute you.
Greetings! The comment preceding this one has been deleted simply because it was actually an advertisement. While I am flattered that the company owner thinks my blog has enough traffic to generate him/her extra sales(!) I know nothing about the company or its principles. Therefore, I am hesitant to give the appearance of an endorsement. No disrespect meant to that company =)
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