There’s “Old Glory” off to the left in the far background, surveying the scene. It’s checking the coast from sea to shining sea. Leave your hat at the door and be polite when you come in. That’s a requirement far too many Americans have forgotten about, and it’s high time we all remember.
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| In the far distance, Old Glory still reigns. |
When I was little, I would say the
Pledge of Allegiance by rote because that’s what I was taught. We all did it as children, and we enjoyed the
ritual. We loved our country without
questioning. Then I grew older and began
to ask questions, as people will do when they grow. I found there were aspects of society that I
didn’t love at all. In fact, I didn’t
even like them. I got “society” mixed up
with “country,” and it caused a lot of unnecessary heartache for me. A resentment grew and expressed itself in the
subliminal way it had been planted in its pawn.
I no longer said the Pledge of Allegiance.
But then I grew even older, and the
game became clearer. The simple things
came back to me--unexpectedly but greatly appreciated. Their timeless beauty humbled me and taught
me and bent my knee. A new knowledge
grew along with a love for the land. I
express my love here in Maine. It may be in a different part of the country
for others. One thing’s certain, though: Old Glory still flies free and beautiful, and
I still say my Pledge of Allegiance. And
for all of its problems, difficulties, differences, arguments, standoffs, mistakes,
hardheadedness, etc., it’s still the greatest place in the world. So, hats off and show a little respect!
From sea to shining sea.
