Once upon a time … in a land that now seems like a far away fantasy, the people were, well, different. Their country was blessed, the culture was wholesome, families were whole, cities were for the most part lawful, the countryside idyllic. The overall picture was, in fact, “Norman Rockwellian”. He painted the faces, the places, the culture and the dominating mood of that country … Our Country … “the shining city on a hill.” The fairytale was real.
We’re left with many images of what once was. And, an enduring emblem is still with us … Old Glory. As in war, it is now frayed and tattered in spirit and in reality. Abuse, apathy and neglect are to blame. A slow disease like a toxic vapor has been eating away at her fabric and the fabric of our culture. But, long ago and far away she was treated differently.
Our homes wore her proudly on special holidays … and for no other reason than we were proud to be Americans!
Good one, Sherry.
Prayer is the key. And, of course, pray for the peace of Jerusalem and that nation shall be blessed.
Well said Shery, I just wanted you to know I agree with you wholeheartedly!!! I truly believe this is our time, time to take a stand for our country, our flag and all that they represent!!!
I’m very concerned for the way this country is changing and its not a good change…..every time something bad happens we ask why did God let this happen. We have turned our back on him…I’m very concerned for the future of my grandchildren….I’m praying for all of us!!!!!!
What you may consider wrong in our country, I may consider right. I believe in a country of diversity and an acceptance of everyone no matter their color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or what language they speak. I believe human beings should not be labeled ‘legal’ or ‘illegal’ and that we should welcome all. I believe we have a moral obligation to make sure that everyone should have equal education, healthcare, food and shelter despite their circumstances and that we have no right to judge whether someone should be cared for or not. I know that 2nd amendment rights are not being taken away and that we definitely need to remove assault weapons and that is the only thing being planned. I think we have the best President we have had in the history of our country. I believe that the symbol of our flag is stronger than ever.
WOW, I am so grateful for the way you have written this article. Several years ago I began to notice that more people and business weren’t displaying the flag as much, but this last few years it has been very noticable to me. I mentioned this to my daughter and we had a conversation about the direction the country was heading in and I mentioned that people don’t have the pride in our country that was there so long ago. I’ve always wanted to write about this but didnt know how to say it. Not so much about flying the flag but about the lack of pride, of who we are as americans and what do we really want our country to be. I feel like you took my scrambled thoughts and put them all together and said it way better then I would have. Have a great day Mary*)
Thank you Shery.
Very well put. Unfortunately taking America away from us started long ago.
But you are right it is never too late to fight for our Freedom!
May we wake soon before we find our beloved country taken from us.
God please not just bless America but heal her and bring our hearts back to You where we belong!
Praying
Ann
Matthew 6:33
Congratulations, Shery! Your honesty and forthright declaration of patriotism is to be commended. I, for one, am sick of being told my thoughts are "politically incorrect". My ancestors arrived on the Mayflower, my family fought in the revolutionary war and every war since for this nation. We settled the West and helped build this country. You can’t take that away from me…don’t even try. Welcome to the Land of Opportunity, make your contribution, uphold everything we stand for and don’t ever take what we have fought and died for. Honor our flag and this country "under God".
WOW, you have touched my inner self. You write so poetic and so perfect to understand. I am an immigrant who came to this country when I was ten years old. I’m sixty now and I have embraced every aspect of the American life and would not know any other lifestyle or belief. You are so correct in all the points you make. We are at a turning point and we will not let our guard down so that OUR COUNTRY, our nation continues under GOD, we were founded under GOD and I personally commit myself to hold those high standards that we were brought up with. I hope that all who read your blog understand the importance of your message. Thank you, Maria
Shery: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. One nation, under God. I fly my flags proudly because I came from that older generation. After 9/11 my son gave me a flag made of beads and safety pins. I wear it on my jacket to remind us all. Great blog gal. Thanks
Well said, thank you for your prayers, feelings, your belief and steadfast love for our country. As the daughter of America, my father, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, brother, nephews, cousins etc all the way back to before this country was a country have fought and served, many gave their life and are buried in far away countries. I fly Old Glory with with pride, dedication to my country, the country where I was born, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO to be exact. We must take a stand, personally as well as collectively, to stand for our rights, the founding fathers may not have had everything perfect, as they were/are human too, however the principles stand to this day as our foundation. Long may Old Glory wave, God Bless our troops past and present, may those who died for their country rest in peace until we meet again.
Shery, I agree with you 100%. I will use some of your thoughts and words to continue to protect our heritage and country. Thank you.
Your sphere of influence is not as small as you think. That was beautifully presented.
Well said. In case you have not heard of it, Hillsdale College is one of the few colleges left in the USA that provides a classical liberal education (emphasis on the word "classical"). They require all students to take courses in Western Civilization and the American Constitution, and emphasize the intention of, and learnings from, the founders of our great country. They also offer many free lecture programs to the public. They lift my heart in hope, pride, and patriotism.
While I agree with Marion McCann’s (previous commenter) objectives, I respectfully disagree with her conclusions regarding the 2nd Amendment and our current President. There is a better way, and that is to return to the founding principles of this country…demonstrably the best way to achieve the highest standard of living for the most people.
Hear! Hear! Well said!
Amen! I think people should be required to actually read the constitution and amendments. This used to be required at the high school level to receive a diploma, but this proved to be too "hard" and was removed from the schools. We as a nation have become sheep, allowing ourselves to be told what is "good and right" for us. I believe that true Americans are not sheep but have become apathitic. It is more than time enough that we should make a stand, say "No more and no further." Educate ourselves, our children, and anyone who will listen. Freedom is not free, it was and is being bought by the blood and service of men and women who serve. Lets make them as proud of us as we are of them. Stand up for our Constitution. I also respectfully beg to differ with one of the former commenters. When the government feels that it knows more than the people it serves and starts to take away our rights, it is a down hill ride from there. It all starts with one thing gone and then it escalates until we have given away our basic freedoms. Check out history, not only ours but other countries as well. Shery thank you for a most timely piece.
Shery,
Your post really rings true in every word. Our country is being undermined at the very highest levels of our government. Corruption, greed, and self interest have taken hold and common sense and decency are no longer fashionable. If we do not stand strong for what is right we will be silenced by those who want to take this country down. Lying, cheating, philandering are now commonplace and acceptable ways of living ones life in America. Heaven forbid anyone holds people accountable for their actions, now doing wrong is celebrated. I worry too that the country I grew up in is long gone. It is only through calling attention to what is happening that we will wake up, do the right thing, and keep America strong. We must stand together.
Well written Shery! We must stand strong and with God’s help get our nation back.
Dear Shery~~~All I can say is you are exactly right & I agree with everything you have said!! Thank you for speaking out & encouraging us to do the same. I will wave my flag proudly next to yours & pray for God’s mercy on us all.
XO, Linda
Farmgirl Sister #971
Shery, thank you so much for these words. For quite some time I have wondered if anyone still felt like I do about our beloved country. It is also wonderful to read the majority of the comments and know that there are many, many of us still out there who want to bring back pride in our country and our flag. I must respectfully disagree with Marion about our president and the majority of the politicians in government. They have an agenda, and they believe we aren’t intelligent enough to know what is good for us, so they will run over the Constitution to put their laws into effect. I do agree with her objectives, but not with the way the government is trying to bring them about. Thank you again Shery. Your blog always speaks to my heart.
Thank you Shery for putting IT so well!!!! Your words should be printed in each and every news paper, magazine and Facebook page. God Bless you and God Bless the USA.
Dear Ms.Jespersen,
I believe there are many ways to be a patriot. The first amendment that guarantees your right to share your views also protects the seperation of church and state. Like you, I love gardening, keeping chickens, vintage things and nature. It’s why your blog has been a favorite of mine for a couple of years. I’m also the wife of a US Marine (who is a Buddhist), a patriot and an atheist. I love the diversity of our country and believe it is one of our greatest strengths as a nation. While I love vintage things and old fashioned simple pleasures, I know that the "good old days" were not so good for many women, people of color, and other people who did not fit a narrow "normal." I am grateful to be an American in 2012 and see great things ahead for our nation.
Shery, I loved your blog. And I agree whole heartedly that were losing our roots for what America used to stand for. I read an interesting story told by John McCain about when he was a POW, and what a certain young man did with the flag while in captivity. It puts tears in your eyes as to how important the flag and the pledge of allegiance was to he and his fellows prisoners. If you’d like to read it just google…"John McCain’s remarks about the pledge of allegiance" and you’ll have a new understanding and appreciation for our country, the flag and what it stands for. Hats off to you Shery for being bold enough to address a real and frightening issue this country is facing.
Dear Shery,
Oh how your words resonated with me today. I too have lived half a century in the " old America " and am saddened and frightened by the changes I see in our country today AND those that I don’t. Times are a changin’. We’ve got to get the train going in the right direction of common sense again! You couldn’t be more " on purpose " with your post Shery. I loved every nook and cranny of it! Thank you! Your sister and a Daughter of America.
Deb
P.S. I would be honored to add your badge to Dandelion House. Thank you for sharing it! It’s beautiful…
farmgirl hugs!
Amen amen —
Wow, a great post!! I really enjoyed it and agree wholeheartedly!