I’ve been here since the beginning – saw Kings and Queens lose the Kingdoms they held so dear. I kept an eye on America and thought it was ripe for collapse until the Bill of Rights was ratified – unifying all the states.
My eyes were fixated on the Civil War – from the first shots at Fort Sumter to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox – as the battlegrounds were literally covered in blood. Nearly 620,000 Americans died as the slaves gained their rightful independence.
After a brother-vs.-brother battle, America again became one. Even after the assassination of President Lincoln, the South had no desire to renew the battle. They knew their cause was lost. President Grant used the military to protect the blacks, giving them more Freedom over the next eight years than they had the previous 100. And I was there, every step of the way.
Before my very eyes, a new America was blossoming – stretching from coast-to-coast. Now a unified America was taking shape. It was only a matter of time before this land would become prominent. Indeed, I was with the right country, though my bidding was done by others. Not all were great – some were awful, but I always believed time was on my side.
“The War to End All Wars” placed us front-and-center on the World Stage. Though the U.S. was sharply divided on entering the war, the citizens did unite. And by all accounts, America’s involvement brought peace to Europe. There was a cost – over 115,000 died. And at the end of the War, a true pandemic hit: The Spanish Flu. Approximately 675,000 lost their lives, and the disease didn’t discriminate based on age or gender.
But America couldn’t be kept down. The Roaring 20s were a time of economic growth and widespread prosperity. Everyone was seemingly having a good time: A period of parties, dances and following the exploits of Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey. I knew it couldn’t last forever.
The Great Depression brought everyone to their knees. Jobs were scarce, and the government did everything in its power to keep the country upright. Barely enough to get by, yet they were all in this together.
At first, Americans wanted nothing to do with another War. It didn’t affect them, until the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Even then, Americans were split on being involved in Europe. President Roosevelt knew it. But not to fear – Hitler declared War on the U.S.
I have seen so many Wars in my life, but Germany and Japan brought true evil to us in a war of epic proportions. America rose to the occasion defeating tyranny on two fronts. A united country stood before me. It came at a price with over 400,000 dead.
And the decision placed before President Truman? The use of the Atomic Bomb; it took courage to end the War the way he did. I had a bird’s eye view as nearly 200,000 Japanese died. Even then, younger Japanese officers tried a coup on the Japanese Emperor; they wanted the war to continue.
During the prosperity of 1945 to the 1970s, I witnessed moments which gave me pause: The Korean and Vietnam Wars led to another 100,000 American deaths. The Civil Rights movement continued to gain traction as Jim Crow laws and segregation were overturned; equal rights started to become the norm. I watched as the proponents, President Kennedy, Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King, Jr. and others were killed.
Riots after riots, but America remained united, with a few splinters. I have seen a lot of fractures in my day, but they never lasted. Or grew here. America had the ability to heal itself through nonviolent means, political action and common sense – much to my dismay, I watched countless other Empires, over the years, fall under less pressure.
I knew the Middle East would be a major problem. After WW I, the ”straight-line rule” British and French used to create those countries wasn’t thought out. When different sects are put together arbitrarily, nothing good will come from it. Not only was it the perfect petri dish for the creation of terrorist organizations, it meant constant War for the only body to take them on – America. We took them on at a cost of approximately 7,000 dead. Any time the U.S. is targeted – like 9/11 – we will always respond in-kind. I watched on as our troops annihilated those who support and continue to fight their jihad.
As Radical Islam was being dealt with, I was happy; an African-American was elected as President two times. For this to happen, America was truly a melting pot. More and more people were united as opposed to being divided. New technologies brought individuals closer together than ever. It was possible to interact with anyone, anywhere with a push of a button.
But there was always a chance for internal turmoil to strike. There are always small groups looking to cause trouble. And they struck. Today, the riots seem to be working. Fractures are appearing. In many places, the cops were told to stand-down to the troublemakers. Some states had to call in their military. At one point, there was a chance we would have a 51st state: CHAZ. But it failed. Daily battles are still raging in parts of America. People are getting hurt and even killed.
So, Who Am I?
I am the reason so many immigrants still come here to have a better life. They know you can start from anywhere in this country, work hard and be anything – lawyers, electricians, business owners, plumbers, athletes…Be the American Dream.
I have not only witnessed all of America’s actions – good, bad or indifferent: I have been a part of them. And I am ANGRY.
I am the one who has ALWAYS brought us back together. I am the one we rallied around at every defining moment of this country. And now you turn your back on me?
Without me, there is no America. There is only chaos, confusion and anarchy. You need me or all your previous Freedoms are gone. I am the AMERICAN FLAG.
If you believe in Me, and what I stand for, Vote!
