Page 18 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2024 - Online Magazine

Howard Mercer

Telling

the
Story

by Erin Agee

This article (from 2014) is the first of ten represents. Maybe fighting for freedom under
articles we are reprinting to celebrate this tired and battle worn flag might give one a
Senior Link's decade of honoring area greater appreciation for what it stands for. Our
veterans. country needs to hear his words and the words of
others that fought

he Captain spoke the orders “Mercer, “You’re a grand old flag, to help restore our
signalman SM3c, bring down that flag- You’re a high-flying appreciation for
Tand put up the new. The war is over”. flag, the freedoms we
The young navy signalman politely asks “Can And forever in peace have. As Patriotic
I keep it?” may you wave. Americans we can
The flag and the men had stood through the glean from the
fight; they were tired and worn, tested and You’re the emblem of wisdom these men
proved. America had won! the land I love, carry. Surviving
And now, September 3, 2014, marks 69 years The home of the free any battle makes
of the changing of the flag and a newly found and the brave. you wise beyond
but strongly needed new passion in Howard Ev’ry heart beats true your years. They
Mercer’s life. His desire is to reclaim the ‘Neath the Red, White have a story to tell.
symbolism in the flag. He wants to unite our Not only that, but,
country around the flag once again. Mercer’s and Blue, they are longing
calling hasn’t changed. He is still a signalman Where there’s never a to tell it because
but in a different capacity. He wants to restore boast or brag. as our country
the patriotism that once fought for these But should auld fights – they stand.
freedoms under this grand old flag. acquaintance be forgot, Always standing
perfect in posture
Keep your eye on the to honor the grand
To these men, or at least in the heart of
Howard Mercer, it’s about what the flag grand old flag.” old flag.

18 Lubbock Senior Link