| General Fiction posted September 2, 2024 |
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Learning what our flag stands for....
God Bless America
by Begin Again
"Where are we going today, Grandpa?"
Grandpa smiled at the young boy, "We're going to town like we always do on Saturday, Billy."
"But Mommy said there would be a surprise." Billy twisted up his face. "We're not visiting Mrs. Bomgarten again, are we?"
Grandpa feigned disbelief. "What — you didn't enjoy snuggling with the baby kittens?"
Billy scuffed his shoe against the dirt. "It wasn't the kittens. It was all Mrs. Bomgarten's hugs. I almost couldn't breathe."
Grandpa laughed. "I can understand your concern. She tried to hug me too, but I was too tall for her to reach." Grandpa knelt so he was closer to Billy. "Today, I've got a big surprise. There's going to be a parade in town."
Billy's eyes widened as he jumped up and down. "A parade!" He grabbed Grandpa's hand and tugged on it. "Come on, we don't want to be late."
As they stood along the parade route, Billy's eyes lit up with excitement as each float passed. He clapped and cheered as the clowns danced and juggled their way down the street. He watched with awe as the cowboys twirled their lassos and made their horses prance.
When a line of soldiers marched alongside a float with kneeling men beside headstones and many flags, Billy's grandfather stood tall and proud, saluting the soldiers as they moved down the street.
Curious, Billy asked, "Grandpa, why did you do that?"
His grandfather paused before answering, "Out of respect, son."
"You mean like doing what we're told when our parents say something?"
"Something like that, Billy. But these men and many more like them have sacrificed for you, me, Mom and Dad, and people you and I don't know. The soldiers promised to protect our country and uphold its values. When they go to war, they leave their families and homes behind. Some don't come back because they made the biggest sacrifice of all."
Billy's eyes were sad. He swallowed hard. "You mean they went to Heaven like Old Blue did last summer after fighting off that mean mountain lion?"
Grandpa smiled and squeezed Billy really hard. "Yeah, son, just like Old Blue. They fought their battle and found reward in Heaven."
As the band approached with more soldiers carrying the flag, Billy watched his grandfather remove his hat and salute again. Billy lifted his hand to his forehead in a salute, just like his grandfather did. His heart swelled, and he sang, "God Bless America, land that I love," just like his Grandpa did.
His Grandfather beamed with pride.
When they got home, Billy's mother asked him if he enjoyed the parade and what he liked most. Without hesitation, Billy stood tall, waved a small American flag his grandfather had bought, and saluted proudly.
"I liked saluting the flag," he said with a big smile. "Grandpa said some of the soldiers are in Heaven, like Old Blue. Now I know that I never have to worry about him being alone. They'll take good care of him, just like Grandpa said."
From that day on, Billy never missed an opportunity to show his patriotism. As he grew older, he often remembered that special day at the parade and the importance of honoring those who fought for his freedom. And he was always grateful that Old Blue wasn't alone.
 Recognized |
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