Memorial Day just passed, Independence Day (4th of July) is just around the corner, and Veteran's day is just five months away. But, regardless of the celebrated holiday, love for our country should always be in our hearts.
One of the symbols we use to show our patriotism and pride in our country is the United States flag. Some call her "Old Glory". I'm old enough to remember when there were parades down town streets, or the flag went passing by, people stood - they saluted - they took their hats off - they put their hand on their heart - and they taught their children why they did all this.
Over time, some have gotten too "busy" or too "politically correct" to remember to do these things. They do it sometimes when it is convenient. We need to remember that our freedom is not a "sometime", "convenient" or "politically correct" kind of thing. Were it not for men and women willing to put their lives "on hold", or pay the ultimate sacrifice of losing their lives for their country, freedom would be something we would have to look up in the dictionary to see what it meant. We would not be living it today.
I wanted to take this time now to say "thank you" to all those who have served and those who are still serving in the name of freedom for ME. A few years ago, I wrote a poem that I'd like to share with you.
Thank God for Patriots (Carolyn Marshall © 10/14/04)
So you say you love your country
And are grateful that you’re free.
It’s reflected in the mirror
Of your life that others see.
Do you proudly wave Old Glory,
Show respect as it goes by?
Does it make your heart beat faster,
Do its colors make you cry?
Do you sing the National Anthem
With the reverence it deserves?
Do you teach by your example,
What will children from you learn?
Do you give support to soldiers,
Thank them for their sacrifice?
Do they know that you stand by them
When they pay our Freedom’s price?
If you truly love your country,
When you say your prayers at night,
Thank the Lord He gave us Patriots
Not afraid to fight the fight.
