There are only eight poems in this collection of remembrance and gratitude for our volunteers in the American military, but they are powerful reminders of those who've served the rest of us. "Think of Me" emphasizes a reliance on God in whatever circumstances a warrior has found himself in. I enjoyed recognizing the illustrator's children in one poignant drawing. The illustrator is Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, known across Iowa as the painter of the Freedom Rock north of Greenfield, but also of our Freedom Rocks, with the goal of one in every county. As the wife and daughter of military veterans and niece of several more, including three young airmen who lost their lives in WWII, I'm especially captivated by this collection of original poems by Julie Dueker.
-Joy Neal Kidney
Because of You, Old Glory Flies was featured in an article by Joy Neal Kidney, where it was further reviewed and there are many more public comments about the book.
If you give a veteran a patriot book, chances are he’ll love it. So he’ll show it to his American Legion Post. Those folks will start talking about it and eventually the president of the Women’s Auxiliary will see it. She works hard to put “good quality” military and veteran books in the libraries of local schools. So the veteran (who happens to be your Dad), will call you and ask to order TWENTY FIVE COPIES of Because of You Old Glory Flies!
- Sue Matzke
Wonderful collaboration of writing and illustrations to honor our heroes! The perfect gift for any Veteran, Military servant currently serving or their family. Julie is able to express the words that need to be said through poetry and prayer for various moments that gives dignity and respect to all our military heroes. Thank you Julie and to Bubba for this meaningful book!
-Darlene Carpenter
I was delighted to receive a copy of your book. The poems are well written and the illustrations are amazing, too. I particularly like the Saluting Ameria's Finest. Jim was able to accompany his father on an Honor Flight and it was a tremendous experience for both of thm. Thank you for your mission!
-MaryBeth
I received a big yellow envelope today, and was I surprised when it came from a JULIE DUEKER. I have looked at the book, the poems, and the illustrations. I am in AWE of the talents that created it. It is hard for me to know what to say, such talent, and creative ability. How you found the time to do this is beyond me, when I read everything you do, teacher, mother, founder and director of Young Patriots Club. After viewing this book and every thing you do, I can understand why you received Iowa's VFW Elementary Teacher of the Year. I will read the book again from cover to cover.
-Leonard Dueker
Thank you so much for writing Because of You Old Glory Flies. I really enjoyed the poems and am touched by what you have done. It means a lot to me personally because when I returned from Vietnam, the country was not appreciative of most of us at that time. It is heartening today though to see the support our troops and veterans get from the public. Thanks to you, this book will help many veterans realize they are loved and respected, no matter where they served.
-Art Walsh
Thank you so very much for the wonderful ornament! When the desk in the office becomes mine alone it will hang there to always remind me of veterans and the tremendous respect we owe each and every one of them. I want to thank you most sincerely for letting us be a part of your touching, graceful presentation. It truly did give me goose bumps. As I often do, when I'm at a Veterans event, I hold my brothers picture in my head and his love in my heart. I treasure the 38 years that I had with him. He was the light of my life.
The ceremony last night just reinforces all of the things he taught me as we were growing up. Our uncle was a Japanese prisoner of war for 39 months and another uncle lost his life on the beach at Normandy. Veterans have been a priority in my family forever. Joe, my precious brother was a V ietnam vet, being award 3 purple hearts in 90 days at age 19. His sense of duty was deeply bred into his soul from the time he went to school. One of his classmates told me that whenever they got to choose a song to sing in music he chose The Marine Corp Hymn. She said she knew it by heart from then on. As you can tell, he is still a big part of my life. Thank you again for all that you've done for veterans. I am amazed and blessed to have been a small part of this magnificent program. Thank you again and my best wishes for all of your future endeavors. If ever you need a space for an event, feel free to call.
-Raeann
American Legion Post 403
Veterans Reception Center
Because of You Old Glory Flies is a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it. I am a Lutheran school teacher and I can't wait to share this book with my colleagues and students this school year. It is also on my bookshelf at home to share with my grandchildren. Thanks Julie and Ray!
-An Amazon Customer
A great tribute to our heroes! Artist Bubba Sorenson is the same artist who paints The Freedom Rock in Iowa. The Freedom Rock Tour has painted rock masterpieces in almost all of Iowa's 99 counties and some states.
-An Amazon Customer
Wonderful collaboration by the author and artist, in support of the men and women putting their lives at risk for our country. The artist is known in Iowa for the work he has done in many counties, to honor their veterans. His work is visible online and is much loved and appreciated.
-An Amazon Customer
Beautiful Tribute! A great gift for any Veteran you might know. A wonderful addition to a classroom.
-An Amazon Customer
This booklet should be in every school library and read cover to cover at every Veterans Day Program. Julie and Bubba have used their talents to honor, praise and support our veterans with respect, truth and love. God Bless you both and all the US Veterans. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.
-An Amazon Customer