I was checking out of the Walgreen's in Clearwater on June 14 when the young clerk noticed my blue tie with the embroidered American flags. As he was ringing up my items he said, "Any special reason for the flag tie?" "Yes," I replied. "Today is Flag Day." "What does that mean?" inquired the young man.
I always think of the weeks between Memorial Day and Independence Day as a special time when we remember and celebrate those heroes who fought for our country and the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
And one of the greatest lessons that we can teach our children and grandchildren is the importance of patriotism and service to our country. I was wishing my grandchildren were with me not long ago when I was at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater airport and welcomed home the "Honor Flight" from Washington. D.C. It was quite an emotional experience to see WWII veterans return from their day of visiting the historic sites in our nation's Capitol and be honored for their service.
As we approach Independence Day this year, take a few minutes to talk with your kids about those men and women who were and who are today a hope and a help to our country as we celebrate living in the land of the free and the home of the brave.