The sun has barely risen over the horizon, casting a golden hue on the edges of the swaying palm trees. I’ve found my favorite spot on Cocoa Beach, where the sand meets the sea oats, and the Atlantic waves crash endlessly. It’s a windy winter’s morning, with the gusts howling, pulling at my shirt, tugging at the American flag standing tall amidst the dunes.
The flag is massive, its stars and stripes fluttering with conviction against the backdrop of an endless blue sky. Its red, white, and blue are a reminder of the freedom it represents. A symbol of history woven into every thread. In the wind, its fabric dances gracefully, in sync with the whispering leaves and the sea’s rhythm.
This particular flag has been around for years, steadfast on this patch of the Florida coast. The pole, firm and weathered, stands as a sentinel. It’s not just a symbol of patriotism but a beacon for those who wander these shores, a guiding point that has witnessed countless sunrises and sunsets, serving as a reminder of the ideals this country strives for.
Near the end of my video a squad of pelicans glides through, slicing the sky in a perfect formation. They using the wind to their advantage, and their synchronized flight is mesmerizing. Their journey is a testament to the beauty of nature’s choreography, moving with grace and purpose, guided by the same winds that ripple through the flag and carry them along the coast.
The wind is fierce today, blowing sand like fine snow across the beach. It stings my face as I watch the waves roar, driven by the same winds that make the flag soar. These are the south winds, warm and constant, flowing over the Atlantic. They pick up speed across the open waters before reaching the coast, shaping the dunes, bending the palm fronds, and reminding me of the unyielding force of nature.
The south wind is not just a whim of nature; it’s shaped by the currents that flow from the equator, by the rotation of the Earth, and by the heated lands further south. It’s nature’s breath, shifting sands and altering landscapes. This breeze carries with it a hint of salt, a whisper of the tropical climates from which it comes, and a false promise of more warmth on this winter morning.
There’s a certain serenity in being here, watching the elements play. The sea is restless, much like my thoughts. I can’t help but contemplate the forces that have shaped this land, from the explorers who first set foot here to the astronauts who launched themselves to the moon from just a few miles away. This place is steeped in history, and the flag embodies that.
As I look towards the flag again, its fabric shimmering under the sun’s rays, I think about all that it has seen. The gentle lapping of the waves reminds me of the constant change that’s part of life. The flag, though, is a steadfast sentinel, standing tall through it all, enduring the same winds and elements that buffeted it years ago. It speaks of resilience and hope, of standing tall no matter what comes your way.
I pull out my camera, capturing the flag as it flutters in the wind, its stripes rippling like waves on the sea. In a moment, I take a video, recording not just the flag but the beach around it, the sand swirling around my feet, creating transient patterns that the wind will soon erase. The video captures the essence of this place, where the wind and waves weave their own stories.
This morning, like so many before, the wind brings with it a sense of purpose. It whispers tales of the past and hints at the future, pushing me to continue exploring, to keep seeking, and to always remember what this place represents. The American flag, in its majestic flight, is more than fabric; it’s a reminder of the journey and the ideals that guide us, just like this wind pushing along the coast, unrelenting and full of promise.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 