Flag stories shared on Legiontown
Frank Miller, a 30-year member of The American Legion, is still flying Old Glory from his grandfather’s homemade flagpole that stands outside his home in Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.
“When I came home from Vietnam, I would always see the flag flying at my father's house. The flagpole was made by my grandfather who passed when I was about 6 months old (I'm now 75!). The pole was passed down to my father, and when they sold their house, I took the pole and still proudly fly it at my own home. I proudly salute our flag at numerous events, but nothing makes me more proud than to see it flying at my own home on Grandpa's old flagpole!”
Frederick J.Dailey of Etters, Pa., was in Scouting from the age of 10 in 1958. “The flag influence of The American Legion was very apparent in everything we did involving the flag. We were taught everything which had been established by them. I have carried this respect and knowledge with me all my life.
“My most moving experience involving the flag occurred during (Coast Guard) SERE training in Warning Springs, Calif., in September 1968. This was the last part of our training prior to going to Vietnam. The last phase of this training took place in a simulated prisoner of war camp (it did not feel like a simulation). The last day of the experience began with the sound of a 50-caliber machine gun being fired over the camp while we were in perhaps the second or third hour of sleep from the prior night. It was dark and approximately 4 a.m. We lined up and mentally prepared for another difficult day. The loudspeaker came on and suddenly our national anthem came over the loudspeaker while a spotlight was shone on our flag. I have never been so moved before or since – the feeling was overwhelming. Every time I have heard the national anthem and looked at our flag since then, I still get chills and many times think back to that final morning of training.”
These stories about the U.S. flag were shared on Legiontown.org. The American Legion would like to hear from you about your pride for the symbol of unity and freedom. Please share your flag moment with photos at Legiontown.org under the heading “Rally Around the Flag.” Or share on your social media channels and use the hashtag #rallyaroundtheflag.
Visit The American Legion’s website, Facebook page and Twitter feed to see historical notes, fun facts and voices from history about Old Glory. These messages are encouraged to be shared.