Happy Memorial Day! I hope you’re having a safe, fun weekend, and I hope, like me, you’re displaying your American Flag.
This year, I have the incredible honor of flying a one-of-a-kind Flag. Let me go back a bit…
Some of you may remember Navy Captain David Lousman and his wonderful wife Carol. They called us on the air one day – from Japan – where Dave is stationed. Originally from the Detroit area, they regularly listened to our show over the internet while having dinner (there is an eleven hour time difference). We had a great talk and found out that Dave was about to become Captain and Commanding Officer of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington. The ship, which is currently stationed in the Sea of Japan, is home to 5000 service men and women… a virtual city on the water.
Over the months, we spoke with Dave and Carol and then were thrilled when they surprised us by coming into the studio during a trip home.
They are both exceptional people – the kind that really make you proud to be an American.
Imagine how surprised I was when I received an official letter from Captain Lausman that the American Flag they would raise on the USS George Washington on March 26, 2010 – my last day on the air – would be flown in my honor.
Wow. I was stunned.
Soon after I received a package from Dave and Carol in the mail. It contained a video of the Flag ceremony, pictures, an official proclamation, and the actual Flag itself.
I really don’t have the words to describe how I felt when I saw it – or how I feel now as I watch it flying out my window in the hot, humid breeze of this Memorial Day.
But I do know that I am humbled and honored by this exceptional act of kindness, and eternally grateful to Dave and Carol, the men and women of the USS George Washington, their families – and all members of the U.S. Armed Forces – both past and present – for the incredible sacrifices they – and their loved ones make, to insure that America is, and always will be, “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave”!