I have read a lot of e-mails lately that speak of patriotism or the lack there of, right now in our country. There is one that I have seen pictures of for myself and another in letter form that have struck me deep down inside. They are of a current US Senator who does not salute the flag of the United States, which he represents. There is no denying that it happened, but no real good explanation for his action either. Snoops.com verify the account, however they discount another story regarding the National Anthem. That one was done more as a political satire and meant to be funny. I don't know what is true anymore. Could someone really find offence in this amazing anthem?
So, today when we stood to sing the National Anthem as a congregation at the close of our church service, I paid close attention to the words that I was singing. The first verse was familiar and I could sing it with out even looking. I tried to picture in my mind, " The rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there". I became emotional and I was over come with love for the countless men who suffered more than we can imagine to place that flag where it was, under those horrific circumstances. That was only the first verse. It goes on and still I find no offence. We are well into the second verse and my voice is starting to crack. The next words seem to stick in my throat," Now it catches the gleam, of the mornings first beam, In full glory reflected now shines on the stream".
Francis Scott Key, himself, had made it through that night to greet a new day.
The tears are now welling up in my eyes, I am having a hard time singing, but I managed to make it through. Right then, as I am looking up, I see the man in front of me put his arm around his wife and pull her close to his side. She is struggling with the song too. I am wondering what is going through her mind. Her husband is retired Army and re-enlisted a few years ago and spent an entire year away from his family.
I was unable to sing the third verse at all. It took all my concentration to keep myself from sobbing. This is what I read; " Oh, thus be it ever , when free men shall stand between their loved homes and the wars desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heavens rescued land, praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!" And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!" By then the tears were streaming down my face, my heart was just pounding, and the knot in my throat was as big as my fist.
I have come to realize through the years that I do have a voice. If I don't agree with something now I speak up. For many years now I have coasted through life, not getting to involved in controversy or sharing my true opinion. Maybe this empowerment comes with age. Maybe I am just scared for our country's future. I don't really know. But this I do know. I will stand proudly next to the flag of the United States, at all times and in all places! I am so grateful for the men, women, husbands, fathers, sons, daughter, mothers, wives, brothers, sisters and friends who have fought to keep our country free. Those who stand guard at night so I can sleep peacefully, I can never repay!
I would never disrespect them or our great country, with all her flaws, by not putting my hand over my heart when the flag is being honored. Or, by not singing the National Anthem. IT IS UN-AMERICAN plain and simple. If we do not teach our children to honor the flag of our country with reverence and pride they will become indifferent to patriotism. We are well on our way as a country to becoming an apathetic people.
