Most parents with young school aged children know the Flat Stanley story and exercise. In our school, each child makes a flat, paper, version of themselves which is then mailed to friends or relatives. The flat children are mailed back along with accounts of all of the adventures they have had. It’s great fun which is why it breaks my heart to hear about the flat daddies that are starting to make their appearance in the US. From the Chicago Tribune article.
FT. STEWART, Ga — Sgt. Andrew Ponton has been in Iraq since January, but if you’ve visited Florida’s SeaWorld recently, you might have seen him sitting on a bench between his wife and son watching the dolphins perform. Or perhaps you noticed him, dressed in his Army fatigues, sunning on the beach at Tybee Island near Savannah.
A closer look, however, would reveal that it’s not Ponton in the flesh. It is a life-size vinyl foam board cutout that his family uses to keep him close even when he is far away.
While this can and does offer some comfort for many while their loved ones are away, wouldn’t it be better to bring the troops home? If we must have a presence in Iraq, why not deploy the flat daddies and mommies instead? Most of our forces have performed with honor and courage, now it’s time for us to honor them by bringing them home to their families.