“I pledge allegiance to the flag -.” We all are familiar with these words taught in school as we start each day by paying respect to our country. Do we encourage schools to remind our children that our Pledge of Allegiance is still needed for the survival of freedom?
We have many three-day holidays that many regard as just more time to do spend doing “our own thing.” Do we stop and think of those soldiers that fought the battles and gave us the freedom to have these special days? Do we remember to visit our VA facilities on national holidays and to tell those special heroes how much we appreciate their sacrifices for America or are we just so excited for the start of that three-day weekend? Most schools have wonderful assemblies where students act out scenes from history and lift joyous voices in song to express their patriotism. Do we take that 30 minutes out of our day to attend these productions and re-enforce the pride we have of being Americans and supporting our future patriots?
Have you thought about writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and showing some interest that you have for some aspect of your personal patriotism? What about participating with local organizations and volunteering to speak on a certain holiday that you feel your community would benefit from knowing more about? Then they will know more details about why we should recognize that date and the significance each holiday represents.
Fly the flag every day, but especially on these holidays that have been proclaimed by national legislation as a national holiday. Remember that the American flag is to be flown at half-mast until noon on Memorial Day. The first holiday to be set aside to honor those who died beginning with the Civil War; this was originally called Decoration Day. June 14 is Flag Day and we must show honor as we unfurl the flag as it waves hello to America.
The Fourth of July is one day out of the year when every American is allowed - even expected - to be thoroughly patriotic by flying the flag, dressing in red, while and blue, and by attending events commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence and America's birthday.
Let us remember those who died on Sept. 11, 2001 as we celebrate Patriots Day, again by teaching our children that only by defending America and our freedoms can we remain a great nation that other countries look to as an example of democracy.
November 11 was originally called Armistice Day, as a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I.
The 83rd Congress realized this should be a day of honoring all veterans of all wars and at the urging of the veteran service organizations, amending the Act of 1938 that created this holiday, by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” So we now celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
Please shout “I am American” on these patriotic holidays. Step forward in your community and lead our parade. Show your neighbors how wonderful this country is.
Keep true to the Red, White and Blue.
Submitted by,
Lillian Leavell
District 5 Unit 24 President
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