The Importance Of The Flag (not really a poem)

I don’t understand the American people anymore. At one time every person was patriotic and we respected those that fought. A handful didn’t but they were looked down on. The veterans now were the Good old' Boys then and there was fanfare and joy when they came home. I don’t understand why that changed? Are those that are fighting now not fighting for the USA? Are they not giving their lives to protect those here on the home front? Why was it that the American people flocked to the nearest store to purchase a Flag on 9-11 and are now protesting our fight for freedom? Do those same Americans even actually understand what they are protesting? Or are they simply doing it because they dislike Bush? Or because they want to feel as though they belong to something? Do our soldiers not deserve some kind of welcome home as those in WWI and II did? Are they not human beings like the rest of us? How do those Americans protesting and putting down our soldiers actually know whether or not a certain soldier is simply in the service because he couldn’t pay for college and he wanted to become a businessman? I mean seriously. Do they remember the Vietnam Vets? Do they not remember what happened when they came home and do they not see what the war itself did to them? Their actions afterward sent many of them insane. Do we want another generation of soldiers and Veterans homeless and insane on the streets? I cannot stress enough the importance of being supportive of the soldiers. I don’t care if you do not like the war or you do not believe in it, there is someone's husband or wife or son or daughter over there. There’s someone's little girl or baby boy waiting until mommy or daddy gets home. Can you not see past the political aspects and see the soldiers are just like you are? I can and I proudly stand with those that support and pray each day for their safety. Maybe you would understand if you had someone over there, or simply listened when a Veteran spoke. They are full of wisdom and a principle that the USA once held in high regard. Patriotism, something I hold dear in my heart and something I am not ready to give up. I know I didn’t have to run to the supermarket on 9-11. I already had a flag. Mine however was folded in a triangle and in its case. My grandfather fought for that flag and they took it off of his coffin and gave it to me. I swear that my children and theirs will both understand the importance of that flag. I just wish the rest of the world would too.