All of the flag photos have been delivered. The shot I took last June has taken me on an unforgettable, emotional adventure. First the enlargements, the framing, the names engraved, and the delivery. Several weekends, 2200 miles, six cities, and nine families.

I found each family completely different from the other. These families share a common bond: each home now has a beautiful military memorial dedicated to their loved one. Front and center is always the American Flag, folded into a triangle and displayed in a special box.

The origin of the box is also unique. Some were purchased, some were received as gifts, and one was made out of the cherry wood from the old family farm. A retired military father and his fallen son's flag box were made from that same tree. These memorials display metals, purple hearts, bronze stars, ribbons, and gold bars to remind us of their achievements.

Each room displays beautiful framed photos, sketches, and artwork. I saw the Saber a son earned - the right to carry one is only afforded to the seniors at Westpoint. A beautiful wood case, polished to perfection, with the gold and brass blade shining through the glass, never to be removed from the wall in the front room.

Always present in each household is a cross, a crucifix. Some wood, some metal, some white, some plastic, a reminder that God has a place in each memorial.

2200 miles and my only concern was what a speeding ticket will do to my insurance rate. I asked no one for permission, carried no special permits or paperwork, there were no check points, no border crossings, no road side bombs. Just miles of open road. Just miles of freedom - a freedom that was paid for by nine Wyoming families who lost their soldier in "Operation Iraqi Freedom". Nine families who proudly display the American Flag and still have a place for God in their heart. I thank each and every one of the families who gave me the freedom to travel across Wyoming.

"One Nation, Under God, INDIVISIBLE!"

- John W. Partain 10/10/04