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Did you know that every evening at 5:30 pm on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, the Star-Spangled Banner is played over loudspeakers, and at the first note, everyone stops walking, talking, or whatever they are doing to salute the closest United States flag, whether they can actually see it or not?

 

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I didn't know it, until last weekend. I found it very reassuring, like knowing that every minute of every day, prayers for peace are being lifted at a Mass somewhere in the world.

 

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Is there a way to have the Star-Spangled Banner play on my phone every evening at 5:30, so I don't forget to be grateful for my country and our freedom?

 

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Four days spent on an Air Force base, attending graduation ceremonies and hanging out with an airman, is a great reminder of the sacrifices that are made on our behalf every day to ensure that freedom.

 

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I'm grateful I was able to do just that this past weekend, surrounded by young men and women (so young!) focused on serving their/our country for the next few years, ready to go where they are told to go and do what they are told to do. 

 

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TG's boyfriend is one of them, currently training for a job that isn't very safe, but it's the one he feels called to do. My prayers will be with him and all of the others, along with my thanks, as they head off on this journey. 

 

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This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. 

~Elmer Davis

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12 responses to “Every evening at 5:30…”

  1. Tabor Avatar

    I do hope this symbolizes prayers for peace, but there are a lot of warriors in those photos.

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  2. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    They are definitely warriors who are trained to defend and protect, because unfortunately there are warriors in other places who are trained to attack and conquer, and we would be sitting ducks without them. But I do hope the prayers for peace that are being said at Catholic Masses around the world (and by many others!) keep them from having to use their training. 
     

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  3. Ms. A Avatar

    Best wishes to all those young men and women and all the others who serve our country.

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  4. Jennifer Richardson Avatar

    I love this, Barbara!
    I believe the best is still to be for our young country.
    Thank you for speaking love and honor over this land that I love.
    I join you with a full heart.
    -Jennifer

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  5. lisleman Avatar

    I remember doing that. Saluting cars that have field officers’ flags on them too. Just seemed crazy saluting a car but actually you are saluting the symbol. Best wishes to this young airman. I bet he’ll feel even better after he gets that first stripe on his sleeve.

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  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yes, I bet he will! Thank you, Bill, and thanks again for your service!
     

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  7. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I still have hope for us, too, Jennifer!
     

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  8. Jim Sullivan Avatar

    God bless them all (I’m sure He does, with or without my prodding.) Goodbyes are so hard to watch, even in still photos. There is that chance of someone not returning, or returning changed either in body or mind, or of the person being left changing in a way not thought of by the person who is leaving. Here’s a prayer that they all resume lives together in the ways they most fervently wish.

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  9. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    That is an awesome prayer. Thank you, Jim!
     

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  10. Lady Fi Avatar

    I too vote for peace – it’s the only way forward.

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