#EpicFail: Did You Stop To Consider This When You Stepped On Our Flag?
With Memorial Day just around the corner, it’s appropriate to stop for a moment to reflect on what it means to be an American, especially in these troubled times. There are so many things we take for granted; we get so caught up in the day-to-day struggles of work and family that it’s easy to lose sight of how fortunate we are to live in a country that safeguards our rights and freedoms so diligently.
Stop for a moment to reflect on what it means to be an American
So when I see someone speaking out against the country — in particular, disrespecting our flag — it leads me to believe that we’ve somehow wandered away from the important business of educating our young people about what the flag truly represents. We’ve allowed an entire generation of Americans to grow up without the proper instruction on what it means to be an American.
Those who denigrate the flag have a misguided idea of what the flag symbolizes — that comes from a lack of education. The flag means different things to different people, depending on their own personal convictions, but I have to believe that if these protesters could be made to understand what the flag truly represents, they would think twice before engaging in these disrespectful acts.
It’s easy to lose sight of how fortunate we are to live in a country that safeguards our rights and freedoms
I’m sure that in their own way, they see their actions as a form of civil disobedience — a way to express their dissatisfaction — but stomping on a flag and yelling obscenities doesn’t effect change. The path to righting wrongs lies in education. We can’t convince these dissenters they’re wrong until they understand what is right.
We’ve allowed an entire generation of Americans to grow up without the proper instruction on what it means to be an American.
For several weeks now, Wreaths Across America has been working on a collection of new, educational materials designed to deliver the instruction I spoke of. Our mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is designed to re-emphasize the message that we live in the greatest country in the world and that the flag we salute so proudly symbolizes all that is good here. Our staff have redoubled their efforts to get these materials onto our website as quickly as possible, so we can begin this important work.
The students learn, and the teachers reaffirm what they’ve long known but perhaps haven’t appreciated for a while.
Our flag signifies the courage, vigilance, perseverance and sacrifice of the veterans who served and died to protect our freedoms. It stands for unity, democracy and the hope for a better tomorrow. It means justice and equal opportunity for all our citizens.
When we take something for granted, we run a great risk of losing it.
Those of us who are already aware of these things will benefit from this instruction as well. It will allow us to set an example — to “walk the walk,” so to speak. The students learn, and the teachers reaffirm what they’ve long known but perhaps haven’t appreciated for a while.
The next time you’re standing with your hand over your heart, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the National Anthem or saluting the flag, take a moment to reflect on our great country and our flag. Consider all the flag stands for and appreciate the freedoms we all enjoy under its protection. And remember that when we take something for granted, we run a great risk of losing it.
