What the flag meant to one WWll POW

I’ve shared this section from chapter one of War Bonds at just about every reading I’ve done. I don’t think I’ve ever read it without choking up.

Last week I shared it with a group and once again my voice caught and I had to pause and blink away tears. When you celebrate Independence Day today and see the flags waving from wherever you are, please remember freedom isn’t free. That’s more than a cliche– that’s the truth.

And remember my friend Jerry Gleesing, who knew that truth so well.

After three and a half months as a prisoner of war, Jerry’s camp at Mooseburg, Germany was liberated. “We saw the tanks come over the hill,” he recalled. “Everyone was whooping and hollering. Then the American flag was raised, and it was dead silent.” His voice broke. “It was like coming home.” 

War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation.