Waving Old Glory
A reading for today: Romans 13:1-7
I pledge allegiance to the flag
Of the United States of America
And to the Republic for which it stands
One nation under God,
With liberty and justice for all.
--Our forebearers
In a few days we will have an opportunity to celebrate Flag Day. Millions of Americans, including this chaplain, can acknowledge strong emotions about our flag. Many of us fly our flag in the morning and take it in at night, others have opted to light their flag and fly it boldly day and night (even if it means a few cents more on the electric bill).
Flags are important in uniting groups of people. Citizens who carry similarly strong emotions that we do inhabit each and every country of the world. Whenever we gather for the summer or winter Olympics, we witness this truth as the national anthem of the country is played while the flag is raised and tears of joy and pride well up in the gold medalist's eyes.
Our pledge to our flag contains a powerful phrase “with liberty and justice for all.” This is a phrase worthy of some sincere reflection. It is a phrase that sounds pretty inclusive. It is a phrase that deserves continued dialogue and discussion. Clearly, there are many struggles ahead for all of this global village, a world filled with many patriotic people in every country.
Today I give thanks for this land and for our old red, white and blue. I also proudly have the flags of every country I’ve visited displayed in our home as an expression of my solidarity with all creation. May we each do our part to bring liberty and justice for all.
--Ben Keckler
06.09.11
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