Grand Old Flag … Grand Old Mom

Ever since I can remember, mom has been a major flag waver for her country.

She loves her stars and stripes, as well as any occasion to her fly her reds, whites and blues.

Little bitty flags on tooth pick poles, flags on napkins, place mats, dinnerware, flags could be found in pretty much every room.

Star studded wooden banners, made by my mom, dad and sister, were hung under every window of their home (built in 1796) on the Fourth of July. Their home is a landmark in Richmond, Virginia and the banners are as much a part of the Fourth for passersby as watermelon and  fireworks.

This is mom’s way of letting the world know in no uncertain terms that she loves her United States of America. When she quotes Patrick Henry’s “give me liberty or give me death” speech, she owns it. When she belts out the National Anthem, or America the Beautiful she’ll have you standing at attention and singing along.

The Fourth of July is one of her all time favorite celebrations! She prepares for it just as joyfully and meticulously as she prepares for Christmas (which is also her birthday). It’s a sacred time to reflect on the past, share dreams of the future and commemorate all those who have created, contributed to and defended our nation.

Mom was born a year after World War One ended and was only ten when the Wall Street crash of 1929 signaled the beginning of the Great Depression. She was part of the generation that rebuilt America into a superpower. And, she has lived through the trials, tribulations, triumphs and failures that continue to define America.

For what’s it’s worth, mom believes in us!

She believes in our freedoms, our values and our ability to come together and do whatever it takes to protect and grow them.

Today, she is out there waving the true colors on which America stands and has unwavering faith that they will lead us in the right direction as we march, arm in arm, into the future.