From "Caroga - An
Adirondack Town" (1998) Barbara
McMartin. (Used by permission)
In Memory of Staff Sgt. Harold P. Witzke (1991)
Five thousand people attended the biggest parade in memory to honor Sgt. Witzke who lost his life serving in Operation Desert Storm. The Town of Caroga renamed the Old State Road for him.
"Remember Me"
Some people call me Old Glory, others call me the Star Spangled Banner, but
whatever they call me, I am your flag, the flag of the United States of America.
Something has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you.
I remember some time ago people lined up on both sides of the street to watch
the parade and naturally, I was always there, proudly waving in the breeze.
When your daddy saw me coming, he immediately removed his hat and placed it over
his heart. Remember? And you, I remember you standing there straight as a
soldier. You didn't have a hat but you were giving the right salute.
Remember your little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same way as
you, with her hand over her heart. Remember?
What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I have added a few more stars
since you were a boy, and a lot more blood has been shed since those parades of
long ago.
But I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down the street, you just
stand there with your hands in your pockets. I may get a small glance but then
you look away.
I see the children running around and shouting. They don't seem to know who I
am. I saw one man take off his hat and look around. He didn't see anyone else
with their hat off so he quickly put his back on.
Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have you forgotten what I stand for and
where I've been? Anzio, Normandy, Omaha Beach, Guadalcanal, Korea, Vietnam, and
the Operation Desert Storm.
Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls sometime. Look at the names of those who
never came back in order to keep this Republic free. One Nation under God. When
you salute me, you are saluting them.
Well, it won't be long until I'll be coming down your street again. So, when you
see me, stand proud, place your hand over your heart. I'll salute you waving
back. And I'll know that you remembered.