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Last 7 Days

Top Blogs

• Greg and Lori Coumas recall their fallen son, Kyle

• Some women veterans feel their service goes unrecognized

• Lodi woman cherishes scrapbook with news of World War II

• Interim superintendent: Galt won't receive state bond money after all

• Dave Cogdill will retire from State Senate next year

• Regional Roundup

• Veterans Day closures

February 8th, 2010

• Public Meetings

• Locals pick best, most memorable Super Bowl commercials

• Regional Roundup

February 6th, 2010

• The Home Depot hopes to join Costco at Reynolds Ranch

• Meet Larry, Curly and Moe

• Baboon business

• Regional Roundup

• Several Lodi venues let you watch the Super Bowl in style

• Lodi Library celebrates 100 years of serving the community

• Culinary craft

February 5th, 2010

• Kids, teachers help Haiti by collecting pennies for Learning Link

• Lodi, Galt students reach out to help Haiti earthquake survivors

• Tasered suspect claims he is Yosemite Sam

• Hours of sweat and work go into putting on crab feeds

• Things looking up for state's real estate

• Correction

• Regional Roundup

• Stray bullet strikes Lodi home; police suspect gang activity may be factor

February 4th, 2010

• Managers at Geweke Toyota answer questions about recall

• Lodi City Council votes to replace play structure at Century Park

• Lodi extends ban on pot shops for another year

• Mokelumne River triathlon set for June

• Family, friends to run half-marathon in memory of Galt family

February 3rd, 2010

• Correction

• Regional Roundup

• Delta College trustees again collide over stipend committee

• Lodi-area senators Dave Cox, Lois Wolk admit to gifts; Tom Berryhill case pending

• Lodi Unified School District president issues warning to speakers over cuts

• Galt City Council avoids budget cuts — for now

• New Lodi Memorial Hospital emergency room opens to the public without a hitch

• Bad bugs, weeds are hot topics at Grape Day

February 2nd, 2010

• Big rig plows 7 cars

• Local business leaders say tourism, Costco, Home Depot may play roles in city's future

• Former Lodian Erica Davis is first paraplegic woman to summit Kilimanjaro

• Jumpers across California

• Correction

• Regional Roundup

• No snow leopards, otters for Micke Grove

• McNerney leads in campaign cash

• Police: Train victim was a Lodi teen

February 1st, 2010

• Find cuddly alpacas not too far from Lodi

• Public Meetings

• Patients can expect faster, better service when Lodi Memorial Hospital's new emergency room opens

• Man killed by Amtrak train in Lodi

The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.

• Will terrorists be given Miranda warnings? (72)
• President Obama's first year (67)
• Lodi Unified School District president issues warning to speakers over cuts (64)
• Local business leaders say tourism, Costco, Home Depot may play roles in city's future (60)
• Islamic symbol in mosaic — what is all the fuss? (49)
• Writer comments on Neely column (42)
• The Home Depot hopes to join Costco at Reynolds Ranch (41)
• Many reject the politics of 'no' (40)
• Police: Train victim was a Lodi teen (31)
• Time to shed the convenient sham of 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy (31)

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Writer still believes in what the flag stands for

The first flag had a pine tree on it; an ancient symbol of freedom. Written under it was, "A Plea to Heaven for Aid."

The second flag had a snake on it, and written under it was, "Don't Tread On Me." The third flag had the Liberty Tree on it, and written under it was, "A Plea to God for Aid." Then came the Betsy Ross Flag.

I wasn't forced to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. My dad, who came here in 1900, said we owed this nation because of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I am perhaps the only one living out of the USMC Boot Camp Platoon who spent several years in military hospitals.

I have seen the flag trampled on, spit on, burned and, seen during a dark storm, fired upon. Yet, I still believe in what it represents; just as the beliefs of those who were tortured, died or suffered because of what it represents. I have seen those who were tortured. I have know those who have betrayed a nation. I have seen slavery.

I served after retirement; put my life on the line and have been betrayed. My wife's father was tortured and died. Yes, a stamp will be issued in his honor, but in truth, it will represent many who served in intel. It will be three years, and perhaps I will be dead. My wife and family are long gone. No one will know or remember one who was known as destiny.

Destiny is the fate of those who serve this nation in covert ways. If I could get the first flag, it would fly in front of my home day and night in storm, good or bad times.

Oskar Johanson
Lodi