The Flag and the Castle
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
On the mantle in the family room is a very special display – a tri-fold flag in a wooden case. This is the flag that was carefully removed, folded and presented to me at Dad’s funeral. Dad was a World Way II veteran. He was buried with full military honors in Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, on June 11, 2001.
Above the flag is an oil painting of the Heidelberg castle in Germany. This painting was sent to Dad after the war ended. Dad was part of the occupation army in Germany at the end of the war and was stationed in Heidelberg. It was there that he befriended a German citizen, giving him food, clothing and a small sum of money. The German asked for Dad’s American address – with the promise that Dad would be repaid.
One day Dad did receive a carefully wrapped package from Germany. In the package was the oil painting along with and a note of apology. The man Dad befriended was an artist and had wanted to paint a very special scene for his American benefactor. Since the war destroyed many of the supplies for artists – especially canvass, it took many months for the artist to secure a canvass worthy of a thank you gift. The apology was for the lateness of the gift and for the condition of the canvass – since the best that could be secured was an old canvass that had been repaired.
Every time I look on these two items, I am reminded of many things.
I am reminded of a mother who watched her 18 year-old boy go off to war – along with her other three sons. Four stars were sewn on the banner in Grandmother’s window to represent her four sons fighting for America – fighting for freedom – fighting for democracy.
I am reminded of the 21 year-old man who befriended a person who needed help – a person who had been labeled “enemy” just a few months earlier. I am reminded of a talented artist, a father, who had to beg food and clothing from a member of the occupation Army.
I am reminded of the bond that developed between these two men – drawn together by a devastating conflict. Each sharing with the other – each upholding the dignity of the other – each helping the other to heal.
The flag and the painting are reminders of the life and deeds of a man of God who put his life’s ambitions aside so that he could defend his nation. His courage and Christian character are seen through the stories behind the display.
So it is whenever I see an American flag, I see not just the colors, not just the design, but I see the history of the flag. I am reminded of the stories behind the flag. I see the states represented by the stars, the colonies represented by the bars and all the flag designs preceding the 50-star flag. The flag reminds me of the struggles, strife and stresses of our nation as well as the joys, jubilees, and justice through the years. There is nothing so comforting as seeing the American flag for the first time after returning from a foreign country. The site of the flag flying proudly in the breeze represents home, safety, and security. There are only a few other symbols that fill me with such emotion.
One such symbol is the cross. It is often hard for me to look at a cross for it is such a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of Christ. It is on the cross that He suffered – for me. The cross reminds me of my sins – my grievous sins. It is on the cross that He suffered – for my sins. The cross reminds me of love. It is God’s love for me that brought about the cross. He willingly went to the cross – in love for me. Such love and sacrifice for me is often hard to understand. I am not worthy of such great love, but through Christ I am. That is awesome!
Soon our yards and streets will be decked out in flags for our Independence Day celebration. When I see each flag, I will also remember the flag on the mantel, under the castle picture. I will remember all of the similar flags that have been presented to those who survive – powerful symbols of the great cost of freedom.
I will also remember the cross of Christ – an even more powerful symbol of the great cost of freedom – not from earthly tyrants, dictators, or despots – but from sin, death, and the power of Satan.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
On the mantle in the family room is a very special display – a tri-fold flag in a wooden case. This is the flag that was carefully removed, folded and presented to me at Dad’s funeral. Dad was a World Way II veteran. He was buried with full military honors in Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, on June 11, 2001.
Above the flag is an oil painting of the Heidelberg castle in Germany. This painting was sent to Dad after the war ended. Dad was part of the occupation army in Germany at the end of the war and was stationed in Heidelberg. It was there that he befriended a German citizen, giving him food, clothing and a small sum of money. The German asked for Dad’s American address – with the promise that Dad would be repaid.
One day Dad did receive a carefully wrapped package from Germany. In the package was the oil painting along with and a note of apology. The man Dad befriended was an artist and had wanted to paint a very special scene for his American benefactor. Since the war destroyed many of the supplies for artists – especially canvass, it took many months for the artist to secure a canvass worthy of a thank you gift. The apology was for the lateness of the gift and for the condition of the canvass – since the best that could be secured was an old canvass that had been repaired.
Every time I look on these two items, I am reminded of many things.
I am reminded of a mother who watched her 18 year-old boy go off to war – along with her other three sons. Four stars were sewn on the banner in Grandmother’s window to represent her four sons fighting for America – fighting for freedom – fighting for democracy.
I am reminded of the 21 year-old man who befriended a person who needed help – a person who had been labeled “enemy” just a few months earlier. I am reminded of a talented artist, a father, who had to beg food and clothing from a member of the occupation Army.
I am reminded of the bond that developed between these two men – drawn together by a devastating conflict. Each sharing with the other – each upholding the dignity of the other – each helping the other to heal.
The flag and the painting are reminders of the life and deeds of a man of God who put his life’s ambitions aside so that he could defend his nation. His courage and Christian character are seen through the stories behind the display.
So it is whenever I see an American flag, I see not just the colors, not just the design, but I see the history of the flag. I am reminded of the stories behind the flag. I see the states represented by the stars, the colonies represented by the bars and all the flag designs preceding the 50-star flag. The flag reminds me of the struggles, strife and stresses of our nation as well as the joys, jubilees, and justice through the years. There is nothing so comforting as seeing the American flag for the first time after returning from a foreign country. The site of the flag flying proudly in the breeze represents home, safety, and security. There are only a few other symbols that fill me with such emotion.
One such symbol is the cross. It is often hard for me to look at a cross for it is such a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of Christ. It is on the cross that He suffered – for me. The cross reminds me of my sins – my grievous sins. It is on the cross that He suffered – for my sins. The cross reminds me of love. It is God’s love for me that brought about the cross. He willingly went to the cross – in love for me. Such love and sacrifice for me is often hard to understand. I am not worthy of such great love, but through Christ I am. That is awesome!
Soon our yards and streets will be decked out in flags for our Independence Day celebration. When I see each flag, I will also remember the flag on the mantel, under the castle picture. I will remember all of the similar flags that have been presented to those who survive – powerful symbols of the great cost of freedom.
I will also remember the cross of Christ – an even more powerful symbol of the great cost of freedom – not from earthly tyrants, dictators, or despots – but from sin, death, and the power of Satan.
