Dear Old Glory,
It’s been a rough go for you lately. You remember the days when people respected you. The days when Americans put their hands over their heart and belted out the national anthem. Oh, those were the days. You flew high and proud throughout the land in classrooms, churches, and court rooms.
Unfortunately, times have changed for you, Old Glory. Many Americans are now ashamed to see you waving in the air.
In recent years, you’ve seen plenty of disrespect. People kneeling during the National Anthem, turning their back to you, and throwing you in the trash. Once revered, you frequently see ridicule and scorn.
Some think that you’ve lost your beauty. After 245 years, people call out your wrinkles, holes, and faded colors. They see your imperfections and think that you’re outdated—a relic of a prejudiced past. How can we respect a flag from a time where discrimination existed?
Still, now is not the first time that you’ve seen trouble, Old Glory. You’ve been through a Revolution, a Civil War, and two World Wars. You remember tragic days like Pearl Harbor, 9/11, and the Challenger Disaster. You’ve been laid on the tombs of countless American soldiers who sacrificed themselves for our freedom. Troubled times and suffering are not new sights for you.
However, you also recall the happy days like the Moon Landing, the signing of the Declaration of the Independence, and V-J(Victory over Japan) Day. The American people have triumphed over many challenges under your watchful gaze.
Through thick and thin, you’ve given hope and courage to Americans for generations. Old glory, you’ve been there for America in darker times than these.
We—the American people—have fallen short of these ideals in recent times. But, you know that America is not too far gone. The USA might be ill, but you’ve seen bigger obstacles defeated in our nation’s history—from the British Empire to the Axis powers. As God is my witness, I promise to continue fighting for what you stand for: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Today, we celebrate the ratification of the Declaration of the Independence.
Old Glory, you remember it like it was yesterday. The writing of Thomas Jefferson, the oratory of John Adams, and magnificent signature of John Hancock finalized the birth of a new nation: the United States of America.
On this glorious day, I am so honored to call you my flag. Millions of Americans are still honored to call you their flag. In short, may God Bless the United States of America!
Sincerely,
The Tin Can Conservative