The land of the free, and the home of the brave. These simple words have defined a nation for more than 200 years and carry more weight than we can possibly imagine. Freedom isn’t free. Another phrase we have heard many times, and another we quite possibly overlook on a regular basis. America is a country full of rich history and proud tradition, even in our somewhat young life as a nation. The symbols that represent us are recognized all around the world and they help shape the kind of people that inhabit our country. Citizens who are proud, confident, and united as one.
Freedom is always something that comes with a cost and is never fully protected, something the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, understood very well.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” – Ronald Reagan
Since the signing of the Declaration on that important day in Philadelphia in 1776, symbols have represented the United States and stood for freedom across the country. Each color on the American flag, including the stars and stripes, representing something different in the quest for freedom and upholding it. Even the bald eagle and fireworks on 4th of July have become symbols of freedom in our nation.
Songs represent our nation and it’s freedom, from the “Star Spangled Banner,” “America The Beautiful,” and “God Bless America,” these songs invoke emotion and passion inside us on a deeper level that maybe we can’t quite fully explain. There is a reason we sing the our country’s national anthem before sporting events, we are honoring our great nation and reminding ourselves and each other how lucky we are to enjoy the comforts and luxuries we have in a free and prosperous nation.
Americans are a confident and ambitious people, and are always striving for greatness and success. This is a trait that president John F. Kennedy knew when discussed the American people:
“The American, by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor and a builder who builds best when called upon to build greatly.” – John F. Kennedy
So the next time you see an American flag, speak with a veteran, or celebrate the 4th of July, remember how blessed a nation America is and how valuable our freedoms are.
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