This is my great grandfather’s “Old Glory” American Flag that my great grandmother received after he passed away. In the United States Military, when a veteran has passed away his family is given an american flag, folded into a triangle with only the stars showing, and sealed into a special plastic cover. This act honors the veteran’s military service and their tribute to our country. Maxwell Norman Hinshaw, my great grandfather, was drafted to the army in 1939 to fight in WWII. He was sent to Germany, and fought in some of the most significant battles of the war, including the Battle of the Bulge. He operated the artillery at the front of the war lines throughout the battles. In one battle, he was shot in the head by a German sniper, but he was able to make a recovery and make it home to his family. My grandpa’s oldest brother was born after the start of the war, and got to meet his dad for the first time when he was two years old. His name is Maxwell Norman Hinshaw Jr. One of my brothers is named Maxwell Hinshaw after my great grandfather. My great grandfather died in 1995, and my great grandmother received his honorary flag. Before she was about to pass, she handed the flag down to my grandfather’s brother, Maxwell. Now, the flag lives at our house in my brother Max’s room. Everyday it reminds us of our family’s sacrifices for our country and freedom. Everyday it reminds us of how important family is during the hardest times of life. And everyday the flag will continue to resemble the bravery and strength of my great grandfather and the love that runs in our family.

– TH

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