Adventures of an American Hero and His American Flag (Part 3 – Follow up from Tom)

Chaz and Jacklyn,

Good afternoon to you both; I trust y’all had a wonderful week and are looking forward to a great weekend.

From your last e-mail I have a couple of comments followed by another “Next Chapter”. Here it goes:

First, thank you so much for your kind words. If the truth be known I just look at myself as being a regular guy that’s had a great career, filled with copious meaningful experiences that have shaped my thoughts and actions. This chapter that started with Jason and continued with Grace Alley’s generosity, may turn out to be one of the best experiences of my life.

RE: Integrity – yes that is a sincere goal. Integrity is one of the character qualities that we try to pass on to younger folks when given the opportunity. I have a saying for the business world within my sphere of influence and it is “Hire for character, train for skills, and fire for behavior.” Other time proven character qualities I look for in a team member include truthfulness, sincerity, forgiveness, alertness, hospitality, generosity, joyfulness, endurance, diligence, thoroughness, and dependability. It also helps if someone is able to demonstrate patience, wisdom, discernment, and enthusiasm. Many of these character qualities, in my opinion, are limited in today’s workplace.

RE: The stories – I’m so pleased that y’all are enjoying them. What should they called? Here is a video that says a lot without saying a word; well done.

After viewing it what would you think about something like “Adventures in saying Thank You”? After all, it’s not about me; it’s them, the true heroes.

RE: Response to Customer Service e-mail – What is most amazing? I never respond to these types of e-mails!!! Thank you Lord!!!

RE: Phone call with Mark – I will start trying to get ahold of him today and pass on your contact information. He should be calling in the next couple of days. One note of clarification – it is my understanding that the hero’s they help with hunting and fishing trips is primarily in the summer/fall timeframe. Weather in the mountains of Idaho is more conducive to outdoor activities during those months.

RE: Final idea – I have attached it as a Word document as this e-mail is getting somewhat lengthy.

Thanks again for everything you two; have a great weekend.

Tom

P.S. – As I mentioned earlier, I need to be responsible for several days next week; on assignment with a client. What does this mean? Typically 12 hour days Monday through Wednesday, flying home on the red eye on Wednesday. Please, please, please don’t be offended if I’m tardy in any e-mail responses.

Tom’s Attachment:

FLAG PRESENTATION TO THE SPITZ FAMILY

David – With Shane, Mom and Dad standing up front with you, please hold the folded flag in your hand and read the following: 

This morning we are recognizing Shane and his family; this congregation’s newest member of our nation’s armed forces.  Tradition says that families of our nation’s military fly the American flag with pride.  To continue this tradition we want to present the Spitz Family with a flag.

As part of this presentation want to share the significance of each of the folds in our flag.  They include:

• The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
• The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
• The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans who have departed our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
• The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.
• The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
• The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 
• The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
• The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
• The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
• The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
• The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
• The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.

 When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

 David – Please unfold the flag and present it to the Spitz Family; then ask everyone in attendance to stand, salute or place their hand over their heart, and ask Shane to lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”