O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
How often have you sung those words, heard those lyrics, considered the meaning of our national anthem? Perhaps, after time, the words have become simply rote, voiced without much thought of their meaning.
Our nation’s birthday seems a good time to ponder the depth of bravery required to attain and maintain our freedom. It’s come at great cost with loss of life and physical, mental and emotional trauma. And, at times, with events that have rocked the very core of our democracy.
Through everything, our flag still waves—sometimes tattered, torn and abused—but still there. A symbol of our country and the freedoms we live.
It always amazes me how small towns, especially, fly so many American flags. Take Montgomery, a southern Minnesota community that honors its veterans with photos and bios of them posted throughout the downtown area. Montgomery also flies a lot of U.S. flags.
Those flags mostly grace lampposts, but also flagpoles, businesses and flower gardens. The red-white-and-blue flashes color into Main Street and elsewhere, creating a visual of patriotism. There’s something about a crisp, new American flag publicly displayed that swells the heart with love of country.
My country ‘tis of Thee, sweet land of liberty of Thee I sing…let freedom ring.
Let freedom ring, unsuppressed by anyone who may attempt to silence it via words, actions, ego, authority. Let freedom ring strong and loud in this land.
Let the flag fly as a symbol of a free people, a free country, where democracy is to be valued, cherished and respected.
This Fourth of July, the 248th birthday of the United (emphasis on united) States of America, let’s remember the freedoms we have and vow to always honor them. Always.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
America America God shed His grace on thee
And crowned thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.
thankful for our flag which stands for freedom. thankful for God who watches over us !
happy 4 th!!!
A happy and blessed Fourth to you, Kathy!
Love your post today – speaks to me in so many ways – the song always gives me the feels! I wonder if a small town somewhere has the most American flags flying – be interesting to know. Here’s to celebrating freedom and independence and those protecting our country. Happy 4th Everyone 🙂
I bet a small town exists that claims the most flags. Happy Fourth to you and yours!
Have a Happy Day of signing the Declaration of Independence and a wonderful weekend. ❤️🤍💙
Thank you. And you, too, Rose. Unfortunately, more rain is in the forecast for us the next several days.
Happy 4th of July
Thank you! Happy Fourth to you also. It’s good to hear from you. I need to locate your blog again…
I am in the process of returning to the old one with a computer instead of an apple device. I’m also adding posts of old projects from 1996 – to – 2013 when I started the original blog.
Excellent. Let me know when you’re back to your other site. I’d love to return to reading and viewing your work.
A new post went up this morning. Looking forward to chatting with everyone again.
Thanks for letting me know. Checking it out shortly.
happy 4th to all , here’s to freedom for all ❤
Yes, indeed, freedom for ALL.