Writings Of Dennis James Flanagan

Special To TBO.com

Published: May 25, 2006

An excerpt from a notebook:

Why is it that youth is so fragile? What is your priority in life?

Is money more important than life? Safety more important than freedom ?

In our lives now people are re-assessing their priorities. Family, friends, and God are again returning to people’s lives. People are looking for something to believe in; they are turning to our government for relief and guidance.

My parents, relatives, friends and loved ones are all trying to understand my decision to enlist. I cannot really explain it in terms of a material thing. I am not enlisting to avenge the attacks on America. I am not enlisting for money or benefits. I am enlisting for a more idealistic and duty bound reason. One idea is the centerpiece of America: Freedom. The freedom to live as one feels, to pursue happiness, and live without fear.

Yes, the freedom from fear. These attacks have demonstrated that America is not afraid. But in the backs of people’s minds resides a fear of another attack on innocent civilians.

I don’t believe anyone who works in a high rise building will be able to focus a 100 percent on their work. They may constantly look over their shoulder out windows scanning the sky for aircraft. People who board airliners will be wrought with suspicion and fear.

Fear is a parasite on a republican government.

If citizens feel unsafe about doing their job because they fear another attack; because they don’t feel safe in their own country, then our government will collapse. I am enlisting to protect my countrymen from fear. Freedom from fear and terror is a great feeling and it is the duty of every American to ensure this freedom. I cannot sit idly by as my country prepares for war.

Written by Dennis James Flanagan shortly after September 11th attacks. He was 18 years old at the time.

A Soldier’s Prayer to his son

Fate has caught me on this day
Death now comes to take me away;
Before I give the Lord my soul to take,
One last prayer to my son I make.

Listen my son, I speak the truth,
Squander not your time or youth;
For never you’ll know when your day is here,
So cherish all that you hold dear.

Love your family and your friends,
For they’ll stick with you to the end.
Let burn that celestial fire inside,
Or to yourself you will have lied.

And now my son I pray to thee
Never ever forget me;
That I died a soldiers death
To keep you free with my last breath.

Now My son the truth is told;
Always remain strong and bold;
Always keep yourself in good standing;
For to you everything I’m now handing.

The torch I now give to thee,
Hold it high for liberty.
Let the flame burn, forever unbroken,
So you’ll never forget the words I’ve spoken.

Dennis James Flanagan

Sophomore year of High School