My (almost) new American Flag is flying high at the Parker Homestead, thanks to family and friends.
The flagpole kit was a gift from Debbie for Christmas about a dozen years ago. It had been in the basement closet for a long time. I’m not too good about getting around to these household projects. I have several other projects to wrap up, too. We had a handyman coming last November to install a new gatepost for our horse pen, so while he was out, I had him install the base of the flagpole. It took about a half dozen bags of concrete mix, some water and muscle to get the job done. At some point, I had opened the box and got the instructions and kit items out such as the pully, rope and other attachments, which I somehow misplaced. I’m sure they are stuffed in a box or plastic tub somewhere in our home. No problem, a stop at the local hardware store and I had all I needed to get Old Glory flying high. And in typically J.O. fashion, the base was installed but I hadn’t gotten around to finishing the project. Thanks to one of my kind and hardworking nephews, the flag is now flying high. I was driving home from my day job the other day and Old Glory was waving in the wind. It makes me proud to be an American. I can remember as a kid growing up saying the Pledge of Allegiance to start the day. I always remember my family praying at the dinner table before each meal. I can still hear my dad laying in the bed at night praying for his family. It made a difference. Putting up my flag couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s sort of a celebration of good things to come in this great nation. American is getting back on its feet and back in business following COVID. Folks are out and about enjoying life again after being prisoners in their homes for most of last year. Many Iowa communities celebrated the Fourth of July and America’s 245th birthday this past weekend. I covered parades and celebrations in Montezuma and Grinnell. And three weeks ago, I covered the Brooklyn Flag Festival activities. There are several things that come to mind that I believe make this a great nation. The freedom to worship God. Our military who serve and our Veterans who served, many giving their lives for our freedoms. The great men who signed the Declaration of Independence and had the forethought to establish this nation with principal and common sense. It’s something we need more of in this country, especially in Washington, D.C. Our police, sheriff deputies, highway patrolman, FBI and other law enforcement agencies who keep us safe. The freedom to speak our mind and protect our families, thanks to our forefathers. The great men and women who forged through challenges to build buildings, develop companies and create products and create jobs, making life better for all. We can fly or take a train. We can drive or take a bus. We can come and go as we please. We can buy homes and land and sell it as well. We can study at great universities and colleges, no matter our age. We can learn a trade or improve our skills, no age requirements We can dream and follow our dreams. Whatever it is, if you can imagine it, you can do it in America. My hope is that the people of this county will continue to stand and not lose sight of our rights and make this nation great for now and future generations. Have a great week and always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day and always.
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