My cousin, Ying Lee, is in the Air Force. He sent me an email that involves the patriotism in Iraq. Hey what's up guys? Here is a little something for your reading enjoyment. Remeber that freedom is not free and that there are still brave men and women dying for you and me. "The purpose of all war is ultimately peace" --Saint Augustine-- One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. --Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom is not something that anybody can be given. Freedom is something people take, and people are as free as they want to be. --James Baldwin Here are some quotes to think about. Later enjoy holla back. Our Flag? I would just like to pass on to all concerned. Today, here at KIRKUK AB, Iraq, we were told that we were no longer allowed to fly the United States flag. The reason we were given is so we would not offend the Iraqi people. We were told that we are not occupying this country! And apparently we are not in charge. Well, my question is this. If we are not in charge, then who is? Obviously, the Iraqi people are not. The Iraqi people do not run any of these bases over here yet, and may not for quite some time. We at KIRKUK AB, Fire Dept have up to today, both Post and Retire the colors every day. Today in a show of respect and honor especially for those who have fallen, we disobeyed the order and raised our flag, but less than an hour later we were Ordered to take our flag down. The moral here is low, but our mission remains in focus. It is a slap in the face of those families back home who have lost a loved ones. It is also a slap in the face for those who still remain here, not only protecting our people back home, but trying to make a difference here in the pursuit of freedom for the Iraqi people. I would appreciate the widest dissemination of this message. If we are to fly the Iraqi flag with our flag then so be it. But don't tell us that cant show the respect for our flag, when so many have died in the name of Freedom. The only people I think who would be offended, are the people who kill innocent women and children in the name of religion. Thank you for your support and prayers. Samuel D. Arbuckle, TSgt, USAFR All outside US flags need to come down per CENTAF guidance. Col Gibson is taking this back to CENTAF. Inside flags are good, We are allowed to put the flag up for special days or events, but we can't have it up all the time implying that we are occupying Iraq. Chief T Sir, When we carry the bodies of our fallen men and women to the aircraft for their final flight home, can we still drape the coffins with our flag, or will that still offend the people that we are dying for so they can be liberated. MSgt, W. Dalton
That is terrible that U.S. Military cannot fly their colors. Offense or not, its there as a symble of Strength, Unity and Honor among your Troops. They are there for a Positive purpose. Taking that away that right may have a negitive affect on our Troops! Thanks for Sharing, Chong
I believe we should be able to fly our colors whoever we are! Right now Iraqies don't have a flag to wave... sad But remember as Shakespeare wrote "Ye dost protest too much" Those who are most patriotic carry that in their hearts and minds and belive in this. I wish they could wave the flag because when I was visiting Africa (my moms homeland) and I saw the Flag and the biggest grin came to my face and my heart fluttered :I The reason is...because it reminded me of home. Where my life and heart is About your quote about peace: "One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue PEACEFUL ends through PEACEFUL means. --Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." MLK was very anti war! He gave many speeches condemning the Vietnam war (please read your books). He protested most peacefuly for not only minority rights but for all human rights. Hence the Nobel Prize Thank you DR. King Fong I pray to God for your cousin saftey. and GREAT TOPIC DUDE! P.S. Freedom is a road less traveled by the multitudes, Although Freedoom, Democarcy and Capatlisim are not the same things (check www.webster.com for a definition). It is paramount that Freedom and Democracy go hand in hand world wide. For Capitalism check out my web site and throw a Subie brother a couple of dollars !!!
