Flag Day

May 06, 2009

Flag Day

By Scott Bestul

David Hedlund would have looked like a soldier even in civilian clothes. Lean, wiry, piercing eyes…and of course, a buzz cut. He—and a whole lot of other soldiers—boarded the same plane I was flying in late January. I was heading to Alabama for a late-season deer hunt, they were going…well, I didn’t know at first, only that their destination was certainly not as nice as mine.

David was reading an outdoor magazine and seated next to me, so I struck up a conversation about hunting. It ended up lasting the better part of our three-hour flight. We had hunted and fished some of the same territory, talked at length about trout and smallmouth, bucks and bears. By the time the plane touched tarmac, I felt I’d known David for a whole lot longer than I had. I gave him my business card and told him if he ever needed anything to call. He thought it was a big deal I wrote about the stuff he enjoyed. I thought it a very big deal that he was serving the country I love.

I have thought about David often since and included him in my prayers. And the other day, a box hit my doorstep. In it, a flag flown above the camp where David serves in Balad, Iraq. Also a lengthy letter from my friend that told how much he missed home, family, and the natural beauty of his corner of Wisconsin. I made extra time to look out my office window that day, to appreciate the beauty of the woodline behind my own home, to take in the busy work of two robins nest-building under my deck, to listen to the spring peepers in my little pond. I have a friend marking time in a place without such luxuries, and I hope I absorbed enough for the two of us.

Comments (21)

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from stumpthumper wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Great story! We should all give thanks to the heroes who are over there fighting for us.
Thanks, Scott.

+4 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Douglas wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Just keep on praying. That is how we on the home front can help out.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from 2Poppa wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Scott-
I salute David.
It's an honor!
I make the pledge to pray for David,the soldier,hunter,angler ... for we are kindred spirits.
His enemy is my enemy. His God is my God.
Together as one, we will overcome our enemies.

We must stand firm with David.
He is not alone.
We are with him,in spirit and prayer,and every soldier that has ever made the sacrifice.

WE are many civilians.
We must stand ready to honor and protect our families on homeland soil.
The enemy still walks among us.

God guns and guts!

It maybe old school,but it's never failed America yet!

David surrendered his status as a civilian,he stood and accepted before God and this great nation, his calling, as a Warrior.

THE SOLDIER'S CREED

I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the
United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.

I pray for David's heart.

I pray wisdom,for David and all of our soldiers,that they would have the sense of understanding in each and every mission.
The courage, to overcome any fear, and to face every extreme danger and difficulty,with boldness, that he will not hesitate in the face of fear ... for fear is but an obstacle from God.

I pray for a hedge of protection, to be about David and his heart, and to proclaim without hesitation,"We have the victory!"

...and dear David, we pray for your return to the homeland.
To your loved ones, and the ones that love you.
We pray that you will return to the home that taught you to hunt and fish, to carry rod and gun,and to love country and state.

I salute you David ...and thank you for your sacrifice!

Scott-
Thanks for introducing us. It's been an honor.

+6 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from WA Mtnhunter wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

The U.S. Army Ranger's Creed:

(R)ecognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.

(A)cknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

(N)ever shall I fail my comrades I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

(G)allantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

(E)nergetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

(R)eadily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

It has been my distinct honor to know and serve with such men. I salute ALL who served and those still serving proudly. God bless each one of you.

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from WA Mtnhunter wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

2poppa

You da man.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from 60256 wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

2poppa

That's some good words

Nate

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from 2Poppa wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Patriotism fills my heart with gratefulness, affection and love for these men and women who,due to their convictions and beliefs,give selflessly of themselves,and are willing to sacrifice and place their lives in the line of fire, every moment of every day.

It gives me a hope and a future, with desire,to continue on, knowing that these brave women and men are fighting a good fight and protecting us,and our loved ones at home.

I can sleep at night with my wife and children, and be rest assured, that an enemy will not step on American soil without resistance and or death.

I am truly humbled in the presence of these men and women and the greatness they have been called to.
They are my heroes, men and women of nobility of purpose.

Thanks and gratitude be to you too, WA Mtnhunter!

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Those who serve our country deserve the upmost respect and I can not even begin to think how I can repay those men and women that risk their life to preserve our freedoms. Those in the armed forces are the real heroes of America...

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from Jim in Mo wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Hits close to home. My son's shipping out June 22 for the Marines. Says rather than go to school right now he wants excitement right now. I told him 'your gonna get it'.

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from Big O wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

THNK YOU Mr. Bestul for taking the time to introduce all of us to Mr. Hedlund. My prayers and those of my family always include all of our people(male/female) who have chosen to anwser the call. For those who pay the ultimate price. We ask God to look after them and their familys in their time of need. We will never be able to show them our gratitude,love, and thanks.
Which leads me to this, there is ALOT we can do for them, besides prayer.
Send cards of thanks, gift boxes, take a vet hunting/fishing, or even more simply yet.
When you pass one of them on the street, stop them and TELL THEM THANK YOU ! I do every chance I get. When I returned from off the coast of Lebanon, there was a little old lady(who taught me this lesson), who came up to us that had no family present, and gave each us a hug and a peck on the cheek and said "Thank You". I asked her why she did this and said that she had lost a uncle in W.W.II, a brother in Korea, a son in Vietnam, and a husband that was "career" military. This was her way of saying "Thank You" from them, and her for "answering the call".
So I ask "DID YOU SAY THANK YOU"/"HAVE YOU THANKED A VET TODAY", I have. GOD BLESS THEM ALL !!!

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from Big O wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

To Jim in Mo.,
Please tell your son "The Devil-Dog", THANK YOU, from an old "squid".
As for you sir, Thank you for supporting him.
Oh, and last but not least a point for all, for making a "grown man", shed a tear of thanks.

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from Jim in Mo wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Big O,
Thanks, I'll tell him. I was Army and wasn't scared. Now I'm a dad, and no need to tell you how I feel.

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from Del in KS wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

A grateful thanks to all who have served, are serving, and will serve.

Well said Big O, 2 poppa and WAMtnhunter.

Jim, I know you would rather be there yourself than watch your son go. Just know that he is probably safer there than on many of our major city streets. Maybe in a few years he will have some good stories to tell here on this venue.

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from Big O wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Point for you too Del, Thank you for serving.

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from teufelhunden wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Your son will be in good hands Jim. When he returns in 13 weeks you will recognize the man you always hoped he would become. In those 13 weeks he will recognize those lessons you taught and they will mold him when times get tough, and they will.

Thanks for introducing us to Mr. Hedlund, I think we need to know the names. I hear people say all of the time "I support the troops" and I want to ask "which one?" Get to know one and pray for them particularly, as well as all of them generally.

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from Edstoresit wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Great Read.!Thanks for posting this Scott. It is in these most unceratin of times that men and women such as Mr. Hedlund are relied upon more than most of us know. They secure our freedoms at home and abroad, in the face of those most willing to take it from us. I salute, respect and stand ready to grab the standard should I be called.
"A simple way to take measure of a country is how many people want in.....and how many want out." -Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister of England

"Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you.
1) Jesus Christ
2) A Soldier
The first died for your soul. The second for your FREEDOM." -Anon.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from WA Mtnhunter wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Knock it off, you guys. You are going to make me tear up right here.

AMEN , Edstoresit

We all should pray for every one of our men and women in harm's way around the world.

Thanks to each one of you for your service to our nation!

WMH

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Kris wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Let us not forget the ones nolonger in harms way. Those whom have wounds major or minor, are still paying for the service they rendered. I thank each, past and present they are my heroes.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Big O wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

AMEN, Kris.

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from steve182 wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Nice story. I have the utmost respect for those who serve(d). Thanks Guys(&gals). I often regret that i did not serve myself.
I hope this young man returns home safely and finds a grateful nation, and much good hunting and fishing too.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from libertyfirst wrote 3 years 1 week ago

I've always felt that we have the greatest country to live in, the most tremendous lifestyles and the freedom to do basically as we please. And I feel we have all of this because of one thing; those brave souls who put their lives on hold and sometimes on the line to protect this wonderful country from those who would tear us down for whatever they feel is important. I can hardly hold back the tears when I think of our young men and women putting themselves in harms way for me and mine. My appreciation for our armed forces is immense.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

from 2Poppa wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

We must stand firm with David.
He is not alone.
We are with him,in spirit and prayer,and every soldier that has ever made the sacrifice.

WE are many civilians.
We must stand ready to honor and protect our families on homeland soil.
The enemy still walks among us.

God guns and guts!

It maybe old school,but it's never failed America yet!

David surrendered his status as a civilian,he stood and accepted before God and this great nation, his calling, as a Warrior.

THE SOLDIER'S CREED

I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I pray for David's heart.

I pray for a hedge of protection, to be about David and his heart, and to proclaim without hesitation,"We have the victory!"

I salute you David ...and thank you for your sacrifice!

Scott-
Thanks for introducing us. It's been an honor.

+6 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from stumpthumper wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Great story! We should all give thanks to the heroes who are over there fighting for us.
Thanks, Scott.

+4 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

+4 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Douglas wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Just keep on praying. That is how we on the home front can help out.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from WA Mtnhunter wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

The U.S. Army Ranger's Creed:

(R)ecognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.

(R)eadily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

It has been my distinct honor to know and serve with such men. I salute ALL who served and those still serving proudly. God bless each one of you.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from 2Poppa wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

It gives me a hope and a future, with desire,to continue on, knowing that these brave women and men are fighting a good fight and protecting us,and our loved ones at home.

I can sleep at night with my wife and children, and be rest assured, that an enemy will not step on American soil without resistance and or death.

I am truly humbled in the presence of these men and women and the greatness they have been called to.
They are my heroes, men and women of nobility of purpose.

Thanks and gratitude be to you too, WA Mtnhunter!

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Del in KS wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

A grateful thanks to all who have served, are serving, and will serve.

Well said Big O, 2 poppa and WAMtnhunter.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from teufelhunden wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Edstoresit wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

"Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you.
1) Jesus Christ
2) A Soldier
The first died for your soul. The second for your FREEDOM." -Anon.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Kris wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Let us not forget the ones nolonger in harms way. Those whom have wounds major or minor, are still paying for the service they rendered. I thank each, past and present they are my heroes.

+3 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Jim in Mo wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Hits close to home. My son's shipping out June 22 for the Marines. Says rather than go to school right now he wants excitement right now. I told him 'your gonna get it'.

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Big O wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Big O wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Jim in Mo wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Big O,
Thanks, I'll tell him. I was Army and wasn't scared. Now I'm a dad, and no need to tell you how I feel.

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Big O wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Point for you too Del, Thank you for serving.

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from WA Mtnhunter wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

Knock it off, you guys. You are going to make me tear up right here.

AMEN , Edstoresit

We all should pray for every one of our men and women in harm's way around the world.

Thanks to each one of you for your service to our nation!

WMH

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Big O wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

AMEN, Kris.

+2 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from WA Mtnhunter wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

2poppa

You da man.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from 60256 wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

2poppa

That's some good words

Nate

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from steve182 wrote 3 years 2 weeks ago

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from libertyfirst wrote 3 years 1 week ago

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