Where are the flags?

After 9/11, it seemed like you couldn't go anywhere without seeing a flying American flag.

Our nation's banner was even pasted on windows after The Tennessean produced a full-page version of Old Glory.

The war in Afghanistan kept the flags up and flying.

The Iraq war in the first couple of years also moved Tennesseans to make sure the flag was still flying in front of their homes. I wrote vigorously against entering the war back then. But once our troops hit the ground, I supported their efforts to meet their mission.

Since then, however, the flag has been disappearing. Perhaps it is because of public fatigue with the war. Now it has eclipsed the length of World War II for this nation. Too many of our young people have died, besides more than 100,000 Iraqis. Too much money has been spent on a country that was supposed to be able to support itself with its own oil.

But we still have men and women over there. And we still have families over here who suffer because of that service. Flying the flag is recognition that the sacrifice continues. The political right or the left does not have sole ownership of the flag, or patriotism overall. We all will have the chance in November to determine whether this war continues or if it ends.

Yesterday, a group of us with Tennessee Marine Family washed cars at the Publix on Royal Oaks in Franklin. I discovered I'm too old and beaten to be doing that kind of stuff anymore. I truly was grateful for a couple of young boys who were there. They were just the right size to reach the wheels.

About $800 was raised in four hours. That money goes to send packages of goodies and necessities to men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. The packages are for all branches, not just Marines. And they keep up the spirits of the troops. My nephew is in the Navy. My cousin is an Army intelligence officer and my friend, Zach, is a Marine unit leader. He's supposed to bring everyone back home alive. The military is tightly woven in the fabric of Tennessee life.

If you'd like to contribute to the cause of sending packages, go to http://www.tnmarinefamily.org/. There is a gold "donate" button at the bottom right of the page for credit card contributions. They are tax deductible. Or you can send contributions to:
Tennessee Marine Family
PO Box 291021
Nashville, Tennessee 37229-1021
615-452-1888

If you're for or against the war in Iraq, please get the flag back out. That way, the families of these soldiers will know this country still cares that their loved ones are in harm's way. Let's lift their spirits, too.