Courtesy Photo | A 'Flag of Freedom' flies in the front yard of Lee and Mary Ann Blair, residents of...... read more read more
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By Spc. Susan Blair,
1-73rd CAV PAO
NORTHERN IRAQ - The family raises its new American flag in the front yard for anyone who passes by the house to see. This particular 'Old Glory' may look like just an ordinary flag; however, what the people walking or driving past fail to realize is that just a few days prior that very same flag was being flown in Northern Iraq.
From the time the Paratroopers of 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, set foot in the deserts of Iraq, they've been raising and lowering a new flag every hour on the hour. The 'Flag for Freedom' is folded and then becomes available to purchase through the unit's Family Readiness Group.
"(The) flags are flying with pride in many homes," said Christopher S. Italiano from Columbus, Ohio, who is a friend and brother-in-law to Lt. Col. Ross Davidson, the commander of the unit. "The 1-73 Cav will forever be honored as symbols of the country's strength and belief in democracy."
Ever since the sale kicked off, Soldiers, family members and friends have all started buying the flags either as gifts, or to show off their patriotism.
1st Sgt. Robert Ochsner, the first sergeant of Troop A, purchased a flag for a friend whose son is in Special Forces and another flag for his father.
Ochsner's father, who is in the Patriot Guard, a group of motorcyclists that provides security at fallen Soldiers memorials, flies his flag whenever they ride, explained Ochsner.
Many gracious purchasers and recipients didn't realize what an impact a flag could have until they actually held it.
"I was stunned by the total reverence I felt when I received the flag, the certificate and the thank you note," said Jayme Parker, a resident of Cypress, Calif., who is Davidson's cousin. "I cannot describe the feeling I had when I touched the flag. I gave a moment of silence and said a prayer for those who proudly serve and for those who have given their lives for the freedoms I enjoy."
Danny and Debbie Williams from Augusta, Ga., gave several 1-73 Cav flags as Christmas presents and soon received a massive out-pouring of thank-yous.
'There were sobs of joy as one after the other called, friends came to our door and greeted us with hugs and thanks," said the Williams, who are Chaplain (Capt.) Brian Koyn, the chaplain of 1-73 CAV, in-laws. The Williams also said another recipient described the gift as 'the most special gift I can ever remember receiving.'
Not only did the Williams receive thank-yous, but the flags have sparked conversation around the water cooler.
"The associates in our office began to talk and share stories about their fathers, grandfathers, friends, and the special people in our military," said Williams.
One associate brought her flag into the office as well as her father's Purple Heart from World War II, explained Williams.
"Just holding this flag and knowing where it has traveled just fills your heart with love for our country and her defenders," said Williams.
The flags sell for $25 and each comes with a certificate of authentication signed by Davidson and Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Krabbe, the command sergeant major of 1-73rd Cav. For more information on purchasing a flag please send e-mails to Taskforcebluefalcon@yahoo.com.
| Date Taken: | 03.19.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 03.19.2007 11:54 |
| Story ID: | 9488 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 1,059 |
| Downloads: | 932 |
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