Freedom is not a given - it's a privilege

That first time I pulled up... I saw it.

It was flying gloriously from a proper pole right there on a post off his front porch and it wasn't even the Fourth of July! ... I didn't really think about his proclamation, I guess.

He grew up in a small military town near Death Valley in California. His father had spent his entire 35 year career working on the base as a civilian draftsman. Both of his parents were born & raised in that small town where patriotism was taught, appreciated, believed in, acted out and respected. I had held my hand on my heart alongside all those other kids going through the public school system every morning; we pledged our allegiance to it, we praised it's symbolism and we were taught to appreciate what it stood for, because that was the right thing to do. My sisters, father and I had to apply for the privilege to call it our own. We were officially granted, and it is documented that we were bestowed the right on

July Eleventh, 1979...

This honorable symbol has been shot at, burned, spit upon and stomped on... I don't understand why...? Do we not realize that our way of life is one that so many throughout the world will never experience?! Do we not know that our flag is considered a beacon to so many?! Do we not understand, recall or think about the unimaginable sacrifice that has gone into securing the freedom and independence we are now in possession of?

Freedom is actually not a given, folks.

It is EARNED - we work for it; past, present & future!

Our flag and what it stands for:

hardiness and valor,

vigilance, perseverance and justice,

purity & innocence

should never ever be taken for granted.

This symbol of our country and all that it entails deserves our pride and respect

each and every day!

Wishing Happy Day of Independence 2017 to the U.S.A.!

Let's celebrate with parades, BBQs, fireworks and great appreciation!

And... we can talk about the clowns next time...

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