June 14, 1777, our flag first flew
We added stars as our nation grew
Soaring overhead; our red, white, and blue
Defending our flag is what Soldiers do
Over our port of entry and in DC
Our flag flies free for all to see
One nation under God are we
Soldiers keep our flag flying free
 |
| Freedom by Natalee Webb |
When Civil War took the States’ Secession
Union and Confederates divided our nation
But this war led to a just emancipation
The bloodiest war its damnation
WWI, WWII and Korea, we took our stand
Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan
Fighting for freedom in these foreign lands
Free from aggression Soldiers command
Soldiers were sent to Vietnam’s outpost
But this conflict would not be our best
This war’s success wasn’t even close
Vietnam Veterans were hurt the most
Love for our country, we went to combat
Returning from Vietnam, on us you spat
The orders we took did not warrant that
Bless these Soldiers with a welcome back
By law our symbol flies 24 seven
With respect for those in heaven
Our flags defense, their lives given
Freedom is why Soldiers are driven
Natalee Webb-Rubino joined the Air Force in 1976 becoming its 1st female Aircraft Mechanic (Crew Chief) and at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan. In 1999 she founded the 11K road race in Stoneham created to honor and recognize Veterans. At the time, it was the only 11K in America. In 2009 she became the City of Melrose’s 1st female Veterans Service Officer. She was the first in her family to attend college full-time earning a bachelor’s degree in PR and Strategic Communications at Bridgewater State University graduating with honors in 2019 at the age of 62. Her essays on Veteran matters have been published in Franklin, North Attleboro, Melrose and Stoneham.
