When we show our respect towards the flag, we are also showing respect to the brave men and women who fought and continue to fight for it each day. We also respect what it symbolizes. The stripes represent the thirteen original colonies. The stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The red on our flag symbolizes hardiness and valor. The white symbolizes innocence and purity. The blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. Overall, this flag represents one of the greatest privileges we have ever had: freedom. The flag also waves to represent the greatest country on the earth, The United States of America.
Living here in America it is easy to look around and see the many privileges we are able to enjoy. Yet in our world today it seems that these privileges are often being overlooked, ignored, abused or taken for granted. Despite the inevitable imperfections that we will find, I couldn’t be more grateful for where I live.
Even more so I feel an immense sense of gratitude towards those who allow each of us to be a part of such a strong and protected nation. Because of these people, we enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, and countless other privileges that prove to be a benefit as we go throughout our everyday lives. Without the men and women defending our country, we wouldn’t be able to do anything freely — or safely for that matter.
Ronald Reagan shared some very inspiring words related to this topic. He stated that when the soldiers of the past who have fought for our freedoms that we enjoy today died, “they gave up two lives — the one they were living and the one they would have lived.” These brave men and women are giving up two of their lives so that we can live just one. Today, take a moment to thank someone who served, is serving or will serve in the future. Today, choose to be grateful.
When looking at other countries in the world, we unfortunately see the controversy and wars arguing over rights, freedoms, and privileges. We see the heartbreaking event of women and young children being sold into marriage, to people they have never met in their entire lives. We hear of little children being ripped away from their families and sold on the streets for slavery or profit, never to see their beloved families again. We watch as families struggle to find a religion that is legal to practice in what should be the safety of their own homes.
Because of the men and women who wear the nation’s uniforms, we live in a nation where we have the ability to do things that others could only dream of doing. Too often, we forget what we have. We focus on the negative, while actively seeking division through our differences rather than finding unison through the gratitude we should all share. We compare ourselves to surrounding countries, overlooking exactly what is available to us here. America has so much to offer — so many opportunities to learn, grow, change, become successful and follow your dreams. However, a lack of gratitude leads to a lack of perspective, limiting the way we see the freedoms and privileges that are here for us to enjoy.
How grateful we should be for the freedoms we recite in the Pledge of Allegiance: Liberty and justice for all!
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation Under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Every morning, wake up, and be grateful for the bed you’re lying in, the roof you’re under and the country you’re living in. But most importantly of all, remember the people who got you here, and the ones who keep you here. Next time you hear the pledge being recited, or the National Anthem being played, remember, that flag wasn’t always waving.
– by Hailee Eyre (18) Panguitch
Feature image caption: The Escalante Fire Department flies a large American flag over Main Street on October 28, 2020.
Hailee Eyre – Panguitch
Hailee Eyre is a journalist at The Byway. She attended Southern Utah University in the fall and is pursuing a career in the medical field. Her favorite topics to write about are those that intend to inspire others, providing motivation as means to better yourself or the world around you. In her free time, Hailee loves to be outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, boating or hiking.
Hailee is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania and New York Church History Sites Mission.