coastee

I'm a 27 year old woman in the Coast Guard. I went to a pow wow this summer that my uncle was MC'ing. At the first call for grand entry he asked me to carry the American flag in an honor guard with other veterans. This was a great honor for me, and my family becuase you don't see to many women in the honor guard. However, I felt like I didn't belong there, becuase, first of all there were elder veterans behind me and second becuase I've never seen combat and I'm pretty sure I never will. I wasn't sure how to tell my uncle that I was very uncomfortable being there, so like any good niece, I did what I was told. My question is, for my elders and veterans, and anybody else. How would you feel if you saw this at a pow wow? When I am asked to do this again what I really want to say is that my job in the military is support of the ones who actually put themselves in danger, and that is also my job as a woman. Can I just ask to dance behind the color guard? I'm not ashamed to carry the colors, I've been in several parades as part of the color guard, but at a pow wow it's different. Please tell me what you think.

Ndnsoldierboy

It wasn't an order for you to carry them for grand entry, but he did ask you too. And it is a great honor too. You should be proud that your uncle asked you to do this. Next time let the MC know if asked to do this and they will find someone else to do the honors instead. Even if you aren't a combat veteran you are still serving and thats what counts. You took the time to give up your freedom to protect others. You earned the right to carry them, but if you don't want to carry them, fine thats your business. but I think you should reconsider your thinking on it.

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coastee

Thank you, being asked to do this thing is an extremely great honor, and I am proud for serving my country. I just needed to know what other veterans thought of this. Thank you

50cal

You know, when I first joined, I was asked to carry the Flag as well, and I too felt the way you did, having all these veterans who had seen the real world and me a boot. But I grew to undeerstand that this is a great honor that is bestowed upon each of us. We have that right as members as the finest military force inthe world, to carry our colors. So don't be ashamed or whatnot, just be proud of what you have accomlished and that others are recognizing you for these deeds.........

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Joe G

Coastee....I have carried honor flags, but must admit, at first I had the same mixed emotions. I served (Navy) in a war zone, but to me, it just seemed I did what I had to do, (and would again) for my country...I wasn't Sgt. York, Audie Murphy, Ira Hayes, or anything...just a guy doing what he could. But I came to realize that it is a TREMENDOUS honor...to represent all the veterans...and as 50 cal says...they're the BEST!
It's an honor and a priviledge to represent them!!! stay proud....and remember ALL jobs in the military are needed...and valuable...not just the warfighters, but ALL of the
armed forces...to succeed.
All the best to you..and all who have served!
C

coastee

Thank you, 50calndn. Your words mean a lot.

Peacekeeper83

I too agree with all the above...and I too was in a simular situation...I was asked to carry the American Flag for grand entry at the Navajo Nation Fair...First I am not Navajo.or even full blood...but it was a great honor to be asked..
I can say the time I lived on the Navajo Rez...I was treated with respect for serving...and asked many times after that to carry the flags during grand entry...

I have learned a long time ago...as for being a veteran..there is no difference in being a man or a woman...all who served have served proudly..providing support for those who need it...be proud you served..because your family does...let them honor you in the ways they can..you deserve it...and thank you for serving..you make us all proud

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We spend a lifetime worrying about if we make a difference....Marines don't have that problem.