By Spc. J. Tashun Joycé
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- April 9, 2003, Just minutes prior to the demolition of the statue of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in Baghdad's Firdus Square, an excited United States Marine corporal draped the Stars and Stripes over the head of the statue in one of the most memorable moments at the start of the war.
In a moment of celebration, compared to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Iron Curtain by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, controversy soon arose due to the actions that occurred prior to the statue being pulled down.
In order to show our nation's troops were not conquerors, but liberators assisting the Iraqi people in their time need, a ban prohibiting the display of the American flag on vehicles, statues, buildings, and command post was soon enforced.
Though all service members, contractors, and other U.S. government employees comply with the flag restrictions, a small few have found other ways to display their patriotism without breaking the rules.
One of Old Glory's faithful is Belleville, Ill. native Defense Logistics Agency customer service representative Tom Shively. Shively served 26 years in the Air Force before retiring at the rank of colonel, in Battle Creek, Michigan with his wife Barb and two sons Sean and Todd.
"My family has a strong support of the military," said Shively. "All three of my brothers have served."
Shively said that he had planned to fly his flag when he arrived in theater August 11th, but since he isn't allowed to, he decided to take the flag wherever he went. After partnering up with co-worker, Texas native Maj. Troy Neasbitt, he purchased more flags for troops to take out with them on missions.
"Between him (Neasbitt) and I, we get them in the hand of troops along with a disposable camera so they can take photos with the flag on their mission," said Shively. "My plan is to give my family members a flag and a story for each picture."
The flag represents all we hold dear and true, said Neasbitt. It is the standard for the world. When I see the flag, I get a sense of pride and it fills my heart with pride to know I am an American.
"I can still remember seeing films of the Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima and I thought what pride those men must have felt to sacrifice so much, to get to that hill and raise our flag and how hard they fought and the sacrifice in lives it took," said Neasbitt. "They believed in America with all their hearts, and they rallied around our flag just as we do today, here in Iraq."
Shively said, say he is proud of our country and what our flag represents. Since his efforts are the best he can do it gives more meaning as to why we are here and what we are about.
"My wife and everyone I know back home thinks what Tom is doing is great," said Neasbitt. "He is the real hero, not me. I'm just trying to help him out as best I can.
"We could not ask for a better man to be here supporting our efforts in Iraq. All of the former service members working over here who continue to sacrifice and serve are doing an outstanding and critical job. I thank each and everyone for their efforts."
Coming to Iraq to help the Iraqi people achieve democracy was the right thing to do, Shively said. He intends to continue sending flags throughout Iraq until he leaves.
"It's important that my family knows this is not about me," said Shively. "There are a lot of troops putting their necks on the line, both American and coalition. This represents all of their service."
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| Date Taken: | 11.23.2004 |
| Date Posted: | 11.23.2004 16:28 |
| Story ID: | 650 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 91 |
| Downloads: | 41 |
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