What Does Freedom Mean to You? -- Lucinda Bryan

Ronald Regan stated: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were FREE. "America is at a very crucial point for all Americans. Regard less of being Democratic, Independent or Republican, the fact remains that our beautiful country is under severe attack. To put your head in the sand and say it will never happen on U.S. soil, is being naive and uninformed. Remember 9-11? We have already been attacked on American soil and continue to be attacked. It is sad when someone is asked who Joe Biden is and they shrug their shoulders and say, I don't know, a singer?? Unfortunately, there are parents, teachers, etc. not teaching our children about how we became the United States and why we have our freedoms. Our Freedoms did not come from standing on the side line loving everyone and letting the government take care of us. This statement is not to be arrogant, but our society forgets that their freedoms and rights (which always seems to be infringed upon) came from our Constitution and Bill of Rights, which our military fought and died for. These freedoms came from death, blood and fighting. When one decides to desecrate our flag or put another flag above our flag, wanting to remove the National Anthem out of schools, etc., then that same family or person is welcome to just pack their bags and leave this beautiful country. Good luck finding another country that will allow you to express those same kind of sentiments about their country.

Below is a little history that is being lost and not taught to our children.

According to records, (U.S. history.org) three members of a secret committee from the Continental Congress, George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross approached Betsy Ross approximately May 1776. She had embroidered ruffles on shirt bosoms and cuffs, hence the reason she had been approached to make the flag. Betsy Ross finished the flag in late May or June of 1776. In July, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud for the first time. Celebration began and the announcement of the birth of a new nation was shared.

It was said by an unknown Author "If you are ashamed to stand by your colors, you had better seek another flag."

Pledge of Allegiance

Our Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy and was published in The Youth's Companion on September 8th, 1892.

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." This was the original version and in 1932 the words "the flag of the United States of America' were added. In 1954 President Eisenhower encouraged congress to add the words "Under God." This was due to the Communist threat at the time. The original Francis Bellamy salute in 1892 began with a military salute during the Pledge and just as the words "To The Flag" were spoken the arm was extended toward the flag. During World War II the salute looked so much like the Nazi salute, that it was changed to keep the right hand over the heart throughout the whole pledge. The removal of what is known as the Bellamy salute occurred on December 22, 1942.

The history behind our U.S. flag and Pledge of Allegiance is something people need to remember. She flies during all wars, bad weather or good weather. The flag is seen on all Military bases, atop of our buildings and yes, the moon! Neil Armstrong July 20th, 1969.

So when you close your eyes at night and tuck your children into bed, remember the people who have and who is currently serving our Armed Forces. The veterans whose lives have been lost and the families they have left behind fighting during war, yet also protect us during peacetime so that we all can be safe! Everyone needs to remember that our Veterans work for our President and government. They do not just wake up and decide to go to war. All Veterans deserve our utmost respect and a Thank you. They make bigger sacrifices than you will ever know and understand.