My dad, ARC William E. (Bill) Thomas,
Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross

A response to Francis Scott Key...after 9/11

            ...Francis, you would be proud to know that U.S. Marines raised those Stars and Stripes atop Mt. Suribachi on a distant island called Iwo Jima, on February 23, 1945.  There were many more stars on its heavenly blue field, but just as in your time, the price for raising it was American blood; 6,800 died taking the island.  My dad, while flying over Iwo Jima through heavy enemy fire, was wearing our flag on his flight jacket.  I guess that's why he was so intent on teaching me to respect "Old Glory," and now, as an adult, I do.  No, I don't worship the flag or bow before it as a pagan before an idol.  When I put my hand over my heart, I think about the God who has blessed America, the land that we love.  And I pray that God will guide our country, stand beside our country, through the night with the Light from above.

            Mr. Key, we have not forgotten what that flag means.  Only a few days ago, our country was attacked; again, thousands died.  But because we still live in the "home of the brave," hundreds of courageous firefighters and rescue workers in New York City paid the ultimate price while heroically struggling to save the lives of innocent victims.  During the attack, our supreme military headquarters in Washington, D.C. was hit and severely damaged, but the next day, other fireman at that same site unfurled a huge Star-Spangled Banner before the world.  All Americans who saw it felt pride swelling and burning in their hearts.  You asked, "Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave?"  We sang your verse with tears, as if for the first time, and we saluted, as if to answer your question:  "Yes, Francis!  Our flag is still there!"