I asked my wife for a recommendation for today. She mentioned “Grand Old Flag” and I really wanted to put it here. Unfortunately all of the YouTube videos (and videos searches in general) kept popping up kids versions. Not what I wanted.

But in the midst of all that chaff there was a kernel.

My flag means so much to me.

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.

I’ve said these words all my life. I stand up when the flag goes past. I take my hat off and put my hand over my heart.

It isn’t the colorful fabric moving slowly up the street, carried by veterans or Boy Scouts, or the High School Marching Band, that pull on my emotions.

It is what that flag represents to me. It is a nation founded on natural rights. A nation with equality for all. A nation where there is justice for all, equally.

It is a country where the rule of law is always the goal.

There are times when I hate the people in power for the disrespect they show my country and myself.

There are times when I see somebody being disrespectful of the flag, because they know it shows disrespect for my country.

“My country, right or wrong.” and “I disagree with you but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” are phrases I grew up with.

I cried when I saw people burning the flag of my country. Of hating it so much. Of hating everything that I love about my country.

And this expresses it: