In the past couple of months, we celebrated Memorial Day followed quickly by the 75th anniversary of D-Day, then Flag Day and today — Independence Day! It has been an emotional time, particularly for those who believe in the ideals of our United States.
We are all familiar with a few of the many documents that highlight the foundations of our country – particularly with regard to equality and freedoms. The first of those documents, date all the way back to the Mayflower Compact of 1620…well before we were a nation. Then there is our Declaration of Independence (1776) …declaring all men are created equal with rights – life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. And then in the 20th century with the latest version of The Pledge of Allegiance – only 31 words; But, well-chosen and powerful words…and to the republic for which it stands. The republic for which it stands…..
Do we, as Americans, know and understand what our independence stands for, or what the republic stands for for that matter?
I want to share my sentiments on this — the anniversary of our country’s independence. I believe our country is for the most part filled with patriotism. That love of country started with our patriots…those who were the first to put their lives on the line to establish our great United States. To be patriotic, doesn’t mean you have to raise your right hand and pledge to support and defend our country against all enemies, as our military does. But, patriotism is to possess the love and devotion to our country.
I also believe most American’s share national pride. My husband and I travel a great deal, often outside the country. I cannot describe the pride I feel when we fly back into the United States, get in line for customs and immigration and the pride I feel each and every time I come back “home”! It gets me every time.
For me, I also believe Independence Day is a symbol of freedom. How many of you remember the words from Lee Greenwoods 1984 hit, God Bless the USA? My most favorite line of that song is “Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.” I felt chill bumps the first time I heard that song. It was pretty powerful some 35 years ago and that pretty well sums up how I feel about our country today.
President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction”. What are your thoughts about that? My thoughts are that if we go without a generation who does not share the beliefs of how and why our country was founded and the ideals behind our country, we sacrifice everything as a country. Therefore, I believe we maintain our freedom for those who fought and died in the name of freedom. Or their deaths were in vain. Lee Greenwoods song goes on “And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. “ That line has become very personal for some of us. Some of us in this room have lived through WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Bolivia, Grenada, Panama, Gulf War, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. “And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” Mr. Greenwood is referring to the right of freedom.
So, I challenge each of you today to reflect on what Independence Day means to you. What do you do that instills pride and patriotism? How do you do to ensure you never take our freedoms for granted. How do you honor those who serve? How do you celebrate our country…and the republic for which it stands?
