The Proud Americans by Gary Benton
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Maude turned, gave me a big grin, and winked. Her smile seemed to reflect her deep affection of the whole situation. I smiled back and held down a chuckle I felt coming on. The whole situation was unbelievable to me.

“Preeeseeent arms!” A loud yell sounded from the platoon leader as the flag came into view.

“Order…arms!” Echoed through the streets of my hometown.

I felt the usual pride in seeing the American flag as it passed in review. I had served under it for more than twenty-six years, so I was well aware of what our freedom cost. I knew, personally, men who had died to give us the freedom we enjoy today. Now, I do, at times question our governments foreign polices, but I know the soldier, airman and sailor has no choice but to obey. Our military does not make our country’s policies, instead it is used as a tool when all else fails. Or, that is what I believe. Ask ten people about the subject and you will get ten different responses I am sure.

“Dang Gury, how come y’all ain’t in uniform today?” A loud voice filled in my right ear as soon as the flag pasted. Each Memorial Day I usually wore my old uniform out of respect.

Turning, I saw Bubba Lee, Willy Eugene, Maude, and Uncle Ben standing on the sidewalk. All four were in their old military uniforms and none of them would have made it in one of them high society fashion magazines. Nope, they were a sorry looking lot at best. And, my boy Bubba, well, he was the sorriest pup of the whole litter.

“Hey Bubba! Willy, Maude, and Uncle Ben! Y’all enjoyin’ the parade?” I asked really surprised to see them all together.

“I’ll ask ya once more, Mule. How come ya ain’t in uniform?” Bubba asked as he placed his hands on his wide hips and threw his chest out. Even with his chest out there was no hiding his beer belly or seeing his belt.

“Bubba, I wore a military uniform for over a quarter of a century. I wore it proudly, but I am a civilian now and I don’t want to wear one at every event. I got my Vietnam veterans hat on, my Desert Storm t-shirt, and I’m holdin’ a flag, what else do you expect me to do?”

Willy Eugene looked at Bubba, gave a crooked grin and said, “Yea, Bubba. He’s a gen’wine normal person now. He ain’t gotta wear nothin’ if he don’t want to.”

“Well, I thank its down right unpatriotic and all. I mean, you got all them medals and stripes and you don’t even wanna show ‘em off ‘er nothin’.” Bubba slowly shook his head as he spoke.

“Bubba, I defended our country so we, as Americans, could make decisions like this. See, in other countries I would have to wear my uniform. Here, I don’t. I’m still proud to have served, but life goes on.”

“Not fer many of the men I served with in Germany, it don’t.” Uncle Ben spoke for the first time.

“Ben, I know. Many people have died protecting us all, but I think you understand where I am comin’ from on this.” I had to comment in a respectful way to Uncle Ben, he’s older you know.

“Looky heah,” Maude said, “let’s all go down to the VFW and have us a beer and relax a bit.”

“Not jess yet, Maude. I wanna see the floats and such.” Willy Eugene said.

“Willy, iffen y’all want a float, I’ll take ya by the A and double you on the way to the VFW.” Bubba said with his face all a glow. I’ll tell you, the boy could smell a beer fifteen miles away and that at night during a blizzard.

I looked at Maude and was not the least bit surprised at how poorly her uniform fit her. I think the only part that was not too small was her little blue hat. The sleeves on the coat were high and tight, not to mention the fact that the buttons on her blouse were straining to stay in a row. I watched, expecting one or all of them to start popping. I knew if one went, they all would, and then it would be Honey save the bacon.

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