Symbolism. It’s everywhere today. People making mountains out of mole hills for every little symbolic thing that may offend them. Even to the point of being offended by the flag of the very country they live in. The world seems hopelessly divided.
How can we overcome this gulf of ideology between so many good people? Growing up, we were raised to stand-up, put our hand on our chest, and say the pledge of alliance to the flag of the United States of America.
Today, after many court battles, I believe it’s mostly optional, but, when I was a kid, you stood or to the principal’s office you went (although I don’t think anyone ever tried to stay seated).
I used to think the one thing we could all agree on was that we are all proud to be Americans. Today, I wonder about that. It’s hard to even think it, but sadly, I see it on the news all the time. Our enemies are on television burning old glory and shouting, ‘death to America’! Certainly, to them, that flag symbolizes something.
Generations come and go, but that flag will still stand for the freedom we all enjoy. That freedom was earned through the sacrifice of many great men and women. Do we live in a perfect country? No. Do we live in the freest country in the world, Yes! I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Nothing too deep to say tonight. I want to share a few military stories over the weekend but, for now, I just want to start by calling attention to our great flag and for what it stands for: liberty and justice for all.
Over the next few days, despite the holiday sales, the parties, and the activities, I want to encourage everyone to take a moment to have a of silence, and remember those who gave everything for us, so we can have what we have. If it means saluting the flag, waving it, or going to Sam’s, like I did today, to get a fresh one to hang on the porch, then let’s do it!
The answer to bridging the gulf? Putting our differences down and focusing on one thing; we’re ALL (well mostly...) Americans. We’re all in this together. United we stand and divided we fall. I love this country and everything it stands for and I'm sure most of you do too.
I love our military and thank God we have those brave soldiers willing to sacrifice their lives to protect, not only our freedom, but the freedoms of millions around the world. Tonight, we solute you brothers and remember all of those who’ve given their all…
