Every day at the Hall-Dale schools, students and faculty are invited to stand and say “The Pledge of Allegiance” while facing the flag. As a former Cub Scout, Boy Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow, honoring the flag was taught and practiced for the nine years that I was active in Scouting. Members of our family proudly served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and Iraq. My wife and I are keepers of American flags that were presented and received with dignity at the funerals of our parents.

Recently, as we were getting prepared for Memorial Day, we realized that the flag we were using needed replacement. As we checked our inventory of precious flags we began to unravel carefully one by one. To our surprise, a card fell to the floor that was tucked inside one of these treasures. It was the funeral card for our children’s great grandfather: Richard A. Walsh. Needless to say, this was a special moment that touched my soul as my eyes moistened.

As I continue to serve people along the lifespan, I am ever mindful of respecting those who have given themselves to keep our country, the United States of America, a beacon of promise and hope.

Thank you for your service!

Richard W. Walsh

Hallowell

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