FLAGS: Fly them with love Saturday

No more soft-spoken words like "darling" whispered in their ears. No more tender kisses and hugs. A child with no dad or in some cases a mom to cuddle with and feel their warmth, strength and protection. A dad and mom in their golden years seeing their son or daughter ripped away from their future with their families.

Nine years have gone by, the funerals have long been over. The last strains of Amazing Grace on the Bagpipes has long faded away. Friends have paid their respects. Loneliness has set in for the irreplaceable black hole in all their lives.

I would hope that friends would continue to involve them in their activities to help take away the loneliness and hurt. Too many times friends who have lost loved ones become invisible after the service is over and their loved ones are laid to rest. We go on with our lives and they are forgotten. George William Childs said, "Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them, and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier by them." What better way to honor all that have served and passed on then honor and attend their families.

Please... Fly your flag on Sept. 11.

RICHARD R. BAKER

Chaplain

American Legion Post 14