What Veterans' Day Means To Me
by Kelly Jarrett
Look
around at all the people that surround us in everyday life. Many of
the people that are in our lives or have an effect on our lives are
veterans. Veterans are very special people. They are a select group
of individuals who looked deep within themselves and found what the
true meaning of freedom meant. Without these people, we could not say
"The Pledge of Allegiance."
"What
the Pledge of Allegiance Means to Us"
The
Pledge of Allegiance is important to us all because in its thirty-five
words, it sums up what is means to be an American.
This
solemn promise of loyalty was not officially adopted by the United States
Congress until 1942. The words "under God" were finally added in 1954.
As we review these words together, I hope that all of us will gain new
insight into the living the life of a loyal American Veteran.
"I
pledge allegiance to the flag..."
While
this promise is something that is personal to each of us, it is also
something that includes each of us. Our pledge is a public profession
to each other of our loyalty to the honored symbol, the flag. Affectionately
known as "Old Glory", the flag has represented our country's goals,
ideals, ambitions, and sacrifices for over two hundred years.
"...of
the United States of America..."
The
fifty states joined together voluntarily to insure peace and prosperity
for all generations to come. These ideals are embodied within our common
language, currency, and government. Throughout our history, the United
States has been willing to help others during war, peace, and natural
disasters. This generous spirit is possible because we truly are united
in our purposes and goals. and to the republic for which it stands...
This democracy allows everyone to have a part in the decisions of our
government. Our leaders ignore the people at their own peril. The social
changes that this country has undergone speaks of the integrity of our
people and the strength and flexibility of our government.
"...
one nation under God..."
By
recognizing God's unfailing authority and His guiding principles, we
acknowledge that our successes are due more to His blessings than any
amount of hard work on our part. As Paul sets out in Acts 10:35, "But
in every nation he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness is accepted
with Him."
If
we are to continue to receive these blessings from God we must remember
the words of the psalmist, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord;
and the people whom He hath chosen inheritance."
"indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all."
These
words tell us that as long as we have fairness for all and everyone
is treated equally, then freedom will reign. We truly will not be divided
one against another. As Abraham Lincoln said, " A house divided against
itself shall not stand." Because of his leadership and courage and his
unfailing belief in God, our nation faced its most severe challenge
to unity. If we continue to follow Lincoln's example and trust
in God, our nation truly will be a nation "of the people, by the people,
and for the people.
Thanks
to the Veterans who left their families and risked their lives and looked
deep within and defined what it means to be free and to be an American.
It is because of them that we can say The Pledge of Allegiance with
pride today.
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