Hold the Line: Respecting what we represent Published Oct. 3, 2011 By Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey Command Chief, Aeronautical Systems Center and 88th Air Base Wing WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- As patriotic Americans, our hearts pound at the sight of the American Flag -- its 13 stripes and 50 stars being unfurled ... the red, white, and blue ... affectionately named "Old Glory." She flies on military installations, in school yards, at ball parks, at the top of the White House and in thousands of other places daily. Our United States flag remains a beacon, welcoming our military members home at airports, shipyards and bus stations. You've been there; you remember. Many of us have been taught since childhood how to pay respect, not just to the flag, but for what the flag represents: the American ideals of liberty, justice and humanity. The United States flag represents each and every one of us. It's a tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms, those who strive to keep our nation free today, and those who have made and continue to make our country the remarkable nation it is! I look at the flag and I see all the work, all the sacrifice, all the painful evolution that has shaped our nation to its current form. I see our forefathers standing their ground on Bunker Hill, the factory workers that supported the rise of American Industrial power and the Civil Rights marchers who held the nation to account for its ideals. All their stories are told in our flag. Each day, on every military installation, we have the distinct honor of showing respect for what our flag represents during Reveille and Retreat. We aren't saluting a piece of cloth; we are paying respect to all those who gave so much that we could be free. Unfortunately, what I see on some occasions is disturbing: a display of indifference. Members ignoring the music, failing to stop their vehicles, or even running into buildings to avoid saluting and rendering proper respect. What I do not understand is, why? During the two minutes of reflection of a Reveille or Retreat ceremony, I feel privileged to take the time to remember what I am a part of. I know I am only a small part, but the feeling to just remember and be thankful to serve -- whether you wear a uniform or not -- in an organization that allows you to make a difference is honorable. I am continually grateful for our courageous men and women, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, who are willing to put everything on the line ... for me, for us! I am humbled by the great gift I have been given and know I have an awesome responsibility to ensure Old Glory continues to wave and represent the United States of America. None of us is too busy or too important to render respect for what we so wholly represent. When you fail to render proper respect, you indicate you are both. Every day, we have the opportunity to make a difference, build upon our country's foundation, and render proper respect for who and what we are. And each of my fellow Airmen can know that without doubt, they are making a difference. You may be deployed to forward areas with your life on the line or providing administrative support to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the warfighter. Either way, you are most definitely making a difference each and every day. Together, we all are working to leave our country better than we found it. Please join me at the flag pole as we pay respect to the ultimate symbol that represents what America stands for and stands on: The Flag of the United States of America. Long may she wave.