Why do you salute the American flag?

**5ft Diva** · #1 11-27-2009, 10:21 AM

Yesterday we got to talking about the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and how the soldiers who guard and protect it are specially picked for that job and how it is considered an honor. Anyway, naturally it got me to thinking about patriotism, particulaly showing patriotism by saluting the American flag. I also thought it would be an educational discussion to have on the boards so I pose the question:

What are you publicly expressing when you salute the flag?

Dia Minha · #2 11-29-2009, 09:45 AM

I have been thinking a lot about this questions. It has been hard to answer, because I don't think I have ever really thought about it enough to put into words. When you asked the questions the first things that came to my mind were feelings. However, I keep trying to figure out how to turn those feelings into words. This is when I struggle with the art of the written word. The only way I know how to express those feelings is to share some ideas that might provoc those same feelings in the reader.

The fourth of July; family, friends, fireworks, picnics, eating breakfast in the mountains, the year I drove all over with my dad looking for an empty camping site to cook breakfast and we ended up at home in the kitchen.

Patriotic music; singing of "spacious skies," and "amber waves of grain," "purple mountains" and "fruited plains," "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Religion; the very reasons our fore fathers came to this country. Knowing there is one day out of seven I can choose to set aside for my God. I can attend church with others who share the same Faith.

Blessings; my large and spacious home, with all its "things" that make my life easier and more pleasant. Living in a land that is free from the dangers other countries face. Public schools for my children that offer, music, art, and help me balance my children's lives by giving them the opportunity to learn from many teachers, yet, be given the blessing to choose for myself and my family. And most of all, being able to bless others, by sharing all the things I have been blessed with.

I think I might need to take some time to rewrite this and edit to make it make sense, but hopefully it is clear enough.

runamyrun · #3 11-29-2009, 06:35 PM

Very interesting topic. I hadn't really thought about this much, but here are some of my thoughts. My first feeling is gratitude. I think of the freedom we have, and how God and many people were involved in that happening. Words can't convey how strongly I feel about that. I think of not only the Founding Fathers, but also all of the soldiers who have fought to protect our freedom. I think of how blessed I am to live here now.

natickgirl · #4 11-30-2009, 09:43 PM

I have visted the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was a blustery, grey, rainy day, which only added to the solemnity of the occasion. When they played "taps" I was deeply, deeply moved.

I can't get through the "Star Spangled Banner" without tearing up, especially now that I've been to Fort McHenry in Baltimore where Frances Scott Key wrote the song.

When I salute the flag, I am showing my deep gratitude, appreciation, and respect not only to the founding fathers, the great people who won & continue to preserve freedoms, but also to God for making it all possible. I love my country, flawed as the people & the leadership may be.

I only wish everyone would realize what a blessed land we have inherited, and that they would work to preserve freedoms (the right ones, not the politically correct ones) and dignity. America used to be the "powerhouse" and the most respected country in the world. Now it is looked down upon by many nations as a nation of arrogant and over-indulgent people. How very sad.

natickgirl · #5 12-13-2009, 05:41 PM

Hey--

This thread got me thinkings....there is this really great CD & booklet called "Take Your Hat Off When the Flag Goes By." It is geared for children about ages 7-12, and was written by Janeen Brady, who composed most of the Brite music. It's all about why we show respect for the flag, how our country came to be, explains the Constitution, explains how our nation is governed (3 branches of gov't), and talks about the US being a "melting pot".

My children & I were able to memorize the preamble to the Constitution because of this CD. We also learned what each of the branches of gov't does & why checks & balances are important. I would definitely recommend this CD & booklet to any family and any elementary school teacher. It's a very catchy & memorable way to learn about our nation's beginnings & gov't.

You can buy it online at britemusic.com for $19.95. I would also recommend the "Safety Kids" series, especially the "Protecting Their Minds" one.

Disclaimer: I used to sell Brite music. I absolutely LOVE it. I grew up listening to it, and my children have to. The catchy songs make teaching sensitive subjects easy & fun (personal safety, drugs, pornography, even values like forgiveness & honesty). You might be able to find some cassettes or CDs used online or at D.I. It's a great investment.

**5ft Diva** · #6 12-13-2009, 11:02 PM

WOW! What a great resource, NG. I'll have to look into this. Thanks!

Meticulous madness · #7 12-13-2009, 11:36 PM

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Janeen Brady/Brite Music stuff! The Safety Kids stuff is so nostalgic. Among other things, I learned my childhood phone number from one of her songs. I'm going to be singing it all night, too - now that it's in my head. ehehee.

I will have to look into getting this patriotic one. I've never even heard of it, but it sounds great.

natickgirl · #8 12-14-2009, 08:36 PM

OK, totally off the original subject, but.....

Since we were young (or at least since I was young), they have added two more Safety Kids CD's. One is about staying away from drugs & alcohol, saying no to peer pressure, and loving yourself so you don't destroy your "designer genes."

The other is about keeping your mind clean from pornography, violence, and bad lyrics. It teaches kids to look away or turn it off. I would highly recommend them both.

Of course, the original Safety Kids is excellent, too, and teaches younger kids how to memorize their phone number, what to do if they're lost, and how to tell people to "stay outside of my line" (protect themselves from sexual abuse).