Faces of Patriotism Published July 4, 2014 By Michael R. Byrd 380th Air Expeditionary Wing SOUTHWEST ASIA -- On a quiet, starlit night blessed with a warm breeze that gently ruffles the flag's edges, I stand alone. I gaze upward through tear-filled eyes at our flag and see a kaleidoscope of faces--faces both past and present. I catch a glimpse of a small boat tediously transversing the half- frozen Delaware River and hear Gen. George Washington gently uplifting the weary spirits aboard with a word of encouragement here and a look there. In his study bending over a desk, a lonely President Lincoln, his head supported in his hands, his mind and soul distraught, seeking desperately for the answer that preserved the union of these United States. I see the mud-soaked, blood-tinged faces of exhausted Soldiers, scrambling through slimy trenches, up over barricade defenses, past the safety of return. I see the gentle roll of a massive aircraft carrier, churning through the white-capped darkness, on deck, weary, a young aircraft handler, his clothing soaked, bending low, in anticipation of the jet's mighty fury, as it jettisons off into the night. In returning, I am in awe and wonder at the greatness of our nation. The sacrifice of countless men and women who dedicated their lives because they loved their country, loved what the American flag stands for. Individuals who loved the freedom, loved the rights, loved enough to give up their life for you and me. The pride I feel goes beyond a word, beyond a breath. I raise my hand, my heart, in salute to the greatness of our country, the greatness of the sacrifice, the greatness of our people. On a quiet starlit night blessed with a warm breeze that gently ruffles the flag's edges. I stand and salute, but I am not alone.