The day we picked up Michael we had one more spot to visit. We had hoped Michael would arrive early enough in the day but that was not to be. Shane was determined to take the boys down to the shipyard to see the destroyer, Turner Joy. Since we had one little one recovering from illness (poor Brendan) and Zaira and Madison were a little small to climb up and down ladders, the mommas stayed back. We actually went to a naval museum while we waited. 
The boys loved the tour of the destroyer. They even "joined" a tour group whose leader actually worked the ship many years ago. They followed the group right into an area of the ship that was off limits to the public. Then asked if they could try out the hoses. The tour guide told them they were not even supposed to be there so what difference did it make. LOL...I guess they got a little bonus experience.
Christina and I enjoyed the museum and the air conditioning. There were many early era tools of the trade on display and many hands on activities. I wish I had not been so concerned about Brendan spreading germs or we could have had a lot more fun. The boys spent so long on their tour that we had to race to get to the airport in time to pick up Michael. But we were determined...we would all be back together after three months.
What better way to make that happen than bringing a military family back together than the Fourth of July! It reminded me of another time our family was reunited after a long absence about six years ago!
We made it just in time to pick Michael up...even waiting a few minutes for him to make it through the terminal. Then we made our way back to introduce "grampa" to little Madison. A very joyous occasion. We only had two days before going back to California. Michael would need to squeeze in as many baby hours as possible! But first he would have to detach himself from Zaira...Daddy's girl.
That evening we had a special ceremony...one of Shane's friends (Travis) was going to show us how to retire a flag. It was also a way to get some of the guys together to share a cigar in honor of the new bundle of joy! An interesting combination but with limited time it was the best option.
Do you know the process to retire a flag? It is quite inspiring...yet sad...
First the pieces of the flag must be cut into individual pieces. For some this means even separating each star...however most just cut out the field intact but each stripe is separate. The strip with the grommets is also removed separately. The flag is saluted and paid tribute. We also sang the Star Spangled Banner. I love this song and so thankful that my children understand the importance of what it means.
Then the parts are placed on an open fire to be burned in a respectful way. In a formal public ceremony a special guest is invited to tell a story of service. It the flag has a special story it is told at this time. Our flag was found in our house purchased several years ago. We did not know the story, so Travis told the children about flag etiquette instead.As the flag was burning, we played patriotic songs but it was otherwise quiet. Hard to imagine with our group, I know. But it was just that type of experience.
The strip with the grommets is traditionally burned separately. The idea is that the flag should it ever fall into the wrong hands would not have any way to be flown again. After the flag is burned to ash, the ashes are buried and the grommets are buried in a separate location as well.
Thomas Jefferson once said, "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed."It is easy to see that this might give reason for quiet thought.
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