I read an article about the American forces exploits in the Asia-Pacific theater during World War II. The setting started with the horrible attack on Pearl Harbor that severely damaged the military installations, particularly those with flying
American flags . This also prompted the Americans to join the World War to redeem its lost voice in the family of nations - the allied forces. It took yet several years before the Americans took counter offensive measures against the invading adversary.
With a complete armada of war armaments, General Douglas McArthur took the cudgels of the Americans to free the occupied territories from enemy control. Thereby fulfilling his promise "I shall return" to the millions of ravaged inhabitants. When a radio broadcast was aired that the American Armada defeated the enemies naval might at the Battle at Leyte Gulf, thousands of inhabitants flock to the shore to get a glimpse of the American Flag proudly flying at the masts of American warships. And when the Americans landed at Leyte, the local folks cheered and hug the conquering heroes that at least war atrocities would now be a thing of the past.
Yes, the mere presence of the American flag has brought joy to millions of inhabitants in Asia, a symbol for a peace loving populace. Its tricolor has restored freedom to the countless millions who braved enemy lines to fight for what is right even with the scarce supplies.
And today decades after the last World War a lot of our Asian brothers still look in awe at the American flag and what it symbolizes. It still is the guardian of our human rights and a fountain of equal opportunities for everybody. How do you visualize our flag?
by:
The Flagman
