Well I woke up from my day dream
By the pounding on my door
There stood a young man; I did not know what for.
He said excuse me, but a few questions do I have.
I said I will try to answer them, come in and have a seat my lad.
He said sir I notice a yellow ribbon on your home.
Can you tell me what it stands for because I do not know?
I said young man it stands for a loved one who has went off to war.
It is a symbol of remembrance for their safe return.
And in the eyes of their loved ones, the love that they yearn.
He said I noticed a flag of black and white with you are not forgotten on it.
Can you tell what it means for it’s the first time I have seen it.
I said son it stands for our prisoners of war.
The ones our government have for gotten.
But not forgotten by their friends and families a never ending reminder of a loved one still gone.
On the flag you will notice that there is a white circle with the black silhouette of a man.
Of who is still missing in action or still a prisoner of war.
You will also notice that there is a guard tower with a guard with a rifle in hand also in the white circle.
Enclosed in the white circle there is a strand of barbwire which I say represents the imprisonment.
Above the white circle son is the letters POW/MIA which I have already told you what those stand for.
And separating them is a white five pointed star, which tells me there is still hope for their return someday.
Also below the circle is a white and black wreath, which to me represents the remembrance of them.
And beneath that in white capital bold letters are the words YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.
Which to me son means that upon their return they will see, that we did not give up on them, nor did we ever forget them.
The young man said I hope that I am not a bother to you, but I have a few more questions could you please
answer them sir.
I said go ahead son ask away, for I am not busy I am old and I have no one to talk to me these days.
He said can you tell me the meaning of the flag that hangs in your window with a blue star in the center.
Well that there boy is service flag it is an official banner that was authorized by our Department of Defense.
So that it may be displayed by family members who have loved ones in the military during any war or hostilities that
our great country may be involved in. The blue star represents hope and pride. The hope that they return safely and the
pride that someone in your family is serving in the military. Son there is also one with a yellow star which means that
there is a loved one that has given their life for this country so that we can remain free. And you proudly display this Service Flag facing outward from the front window of your home.
One last question sir and I will be on my way.
What is the meaning of a candle in your window that you display?
The candle is a reminder that there is a member of your family far from home, and that it may guide them back home
where they know that they will be welcomed and there will be a hearty meal and a warm bed for them.
The Young man said thank you sir for your time shook my hand and then left
Two years later there was a knock upon my door.
And there stood the same young man.
Proud and tall he stood.
He asked do you remember me.
I said yes for you I prayed.
He was now a U.S. Soldier in Army greens and black beret.
