Patriotism - The Right Way.....

These days you hear plenty on the news about groups expressing their American rights. But you don't hear much about patriotism in general.

You hear about Nazi groups and their right to have a public display. You hear about their opponents if it leads to violence. You even hear about players in the National Football League that refuse to stand for the National Anthem. They are protesting something in America. But nobody knows specifically what it is. It is their American right to protest.

Ohio flags of honor displayed this
weekend in Walton Hills, Ohio.

You don't hear much about patriotism. Maybe it's not news-worthy. You don't hear much about the Ohio Flags of Honor.

The Ohio Flags of Honor is a traveling display that honors Ohio's fallen in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the global war on terrorism. A full size flag is displayed for each of them. I was proud to have played a small part of it this weekend. There are now about 300 names. One on each flag.

Ohio Flags of Honor was founded by Gino Zimmer as a way of honoring his son, Nick who had been killed in Iraq. Each summer the flags are displayed over a weekend at various sights in Ohio.

The opening ceremonies start with a few speeches, a color guard, a prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. My son Kenny, has been proud to sing the National Anthem at some of these occasions. Some Gold Star family members are in attendance. Then it's time for the roll call.

At the roll call, two speakers alternate calling the name and rank of the fallen. A bell is rung after each name. Participants then carry each flag, with the soldiers name on the flagpole to the field where it is displayed. I was privileged to carry and place a few flags. As I carry the flag, I think about the name on that flag. I don't know them. But I thank them for their service and sacrifice. Taps are played to conclude the ceremony.

The bell is rung after each name is read.

Occasionally, a family will tape snapshots of their son or daughter on the pole that bears their name. It could be a military picture. Or it could just be a picture of them hanging out at home, or in high school. Then it really hits you. These are just kids. Kids that might've lived down the street or in another part of town. Kids that never got a chance to grow old.

These are kids that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the rights of American Nazis to rally. Kids that died so NFL players have the ability to disrespect the National Anthem.

There are plenty of things that happen in our nation I don't understand. I guess I'm not that smart. But I do know I'm thankful for these young men and women to have served and protect us.

God bless them all.