Crew members from the 337th Airlift Squadron hold up an 8-foot by 12-foot flag at a runway in Afghanistan. In May, a representative donated the flag to Plymouth, Mass., parade officials for use in their 2011 America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration. Last year, parade director Olly deMachado donated their U.S. flag to the Air Force performance band, Tops in Blue, to bring with them to Afghanistan and present to the troops during the group's Christmas tour. That left the Plymouth committee without a flag, so flight engineer Master Sgt. Eric McGlynn and his wife purchased a replacement flag, which Sergeant McGlynn brought downrange and later presented, along with a certificate of authenticity, to Mr. deMachado. (courtesy photo)