Today we celebrate Independence Day. It is a day of celebration for parades and families, and we see our nation's flag flying in the breeze. As a mother and grandmother, I save precious thoughts that my children and grandchildren have written. Recently, I ran across an essay that my daughter Kathy wrote when she was 13 years old and in 8th grade. On this Independence day, you too may appreciate these thoughts written by a teenager.
Still She Waves. Our nation's flag is a moving observance of the honor accredited to our forefathers. The men and women who made possible for us a life of liberty and justice in this great land of ours. Our flag has stirred many a patriotic citizen like Patrick Henry, who forcefully stated, “Give me liberty or give me death!” And John Paul Jones, who boldly proclaimed, “I have not yet begun to fight. To sacrifice himself for the cause of freedom and the blessings of liberty.” The colors chosen for our beautiful flag bring out the ideals and opinions of the colonists towards obtaining and keeping a more perfect union. Red is for hardiness and courage. White represented purity and innocence, and blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. We surely must admit that our forefathers use careful thought in choosing such unusually good colors to be displayed on our flag. Our nation's flag became significant in battles for several reasons. Soldiers would proudly hold aloft their flag to show members of their regiment where they were located. Other brave men would carry the flag through each war that was fought, and would suffer all, even death, rather than to give up the flag, since permitting the enemy to capture the flag meant a joyous victory for the opposing side. Old Glory deserves the respect of our nation's people. It is not a mere length of material, but in it we discover the representation of the people who have made America what it is today. People from England pioneered this country and brought about the democratic government which we now live and enjoy. These people fought and killed their fellow Englishmen and sacrificed themselves so that their families, and those that followed, might have this freedom. Often we take such noble acts for granted, though we should be ever so thankful for their unselfishness and concern. Our flag stands for people who came from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, and many other countries, who brought their abiding faith, their talents and ambitions, their delicious styles of cooking and preparing food. Their leadership qualities and their ideas of setting up a decent republic. Yes, our flag represents all this. Throughout the years, it has become a symbol of what a country can do when it uses Christian principles in government. We can rightly be proud of our nation, for it is one that is not a shame to place the words, “In God we Trust” on their coins. May we lend our country support in joyously singing, “God bless America.”
This essay was written 41 years ago and daughter Kathy is now a grandmother - a teenager and Golden ager. She has just published a book entitled “From Hilltop to Hilltop: A Pioneer Spirit Endures.” It is a story of a people of God who have retained that pioneer spirit of courage, risk taking perseverance, generosity, hard work, and care for the community throughout the 150 year history of the oldest Lutheran Church in Texas, where her husband is the senior pastor. Thank you, Kathy, for allowing us to share your essay with the readers of this Warm Thoughts column. I will send you the original manuscript. I'm glad I saved that one! Happy Independence Day!
Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea Written by Dr. Luetta G Werner. Published in the Marion Record, July 4th, 2002.
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Till next time,
Trina