Earlier this month I participated in a parade to honor a local World War 2 veteran on his 100th birthday. It was a privilege to join the surprise celebration for one of our Greatest Generation.

Decades ago he served and sacrificed to preserve freedom against tyranny and oppression. Today he maintains a model attitude and expressed well his appreciation for the unexpected honor.

Blue lives mattered, as the local police escorted the motorcade that consisted of many vehicles, motorcycles, and American flags. Surrounded by family and friends, the honoree enjoyed 20 minutes of the parade’s waves, smiles, and honks — all representing love and respect from many well-wishers.

I thought the prominence of so many flags spoke well of our American small town and its patriotism. It made me proud and gave me hope. I saw evidence of many patriotic Americans as flags waved all along the parade route.

With sadness I recalled the lack of respect shown in recent months by some athletes who refused to stand in honor of our flag that waved so proudly while brave individuals fought for our country so many perilous times. I cannot help but think that those who withhold honor due are woefully unknowing or just fail to understand the meaning and significance for which our flag stands.

It is right that we pledge and salute our American flag if we are grateful for our freedom and liberty. Our country is not perfect since imperfect citizens make up its populace, but I challenge anyone to find a better one!

I am thankful for one man who remains a proud American even at age 100 years. Birthday blessings to you, Mr. Hamilton!

Today I remember another birthday…. Today is my father’s birthday, and he would be 100 years old if he were still living. He was also a WW2 veteran and a patriotic American. I appreciate learning to respect and honor our flag from his example.

Thinking of my father’s generation gives me hope. Happy birthday, Daddy!

As long as I am physically able to stand, that is how I will respond to our Red, White, and Blue. Long may Old Glory, the Star-spangled Banner wave in freedom for all. May the hope that I feel when I view our flag spread to others along with peace and unity throughout our post-Christian nation.

I believe that God will bless America as America blesses God. That understanding gives me hope as I recall the following Scripture from the Old Testament.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Since the birth of our nation countless Americans have suffered personal sorrows and tragedies. Yet perhaps none were so memorable collectively as the acts of terrorism on America on September 11, 2001. Like December 7, 1941, it is “a date which will live in infamy” (President Franklin D. Roosevelt). I believe it is fitting that this anniversary is recognized.

You may wonder why a sad and seemingly hopeless topic is today’s subject in a blog focused on hope. It is chosen, because the horrific and cowardly attacks resulted in great displays of extraordinary hope, heroism, compassion, courage, and unity.

All the books that have been written and documentaries that have been filmed barely scratch the surface of the greatness of the American spirit that was shown that day and days following. I feel inadequate to now add my few sentences, but I can’t let Patriot Day pass without remembering.

My spouse and I visited “ground zero” in New York in 2006. We chaperoned a group of 55 international high school exchange students.

We remember that time with hope for future relationships between nations. We were mindful that those students could become future leaders in their own countries. Any positive experiences with Americans they would have during their American stay could one day play a role in promoting peace on our planet.

Today’s blog is dedicated to those no longer with us physically but who remain in our hearts; those left to grieve whose lives were forever changed; those who bravely sacrificed to rescue survivors; those who shared hope, support, and encouragement to others through it all; our military men and women who honorably met duty’s call to preserve freedom and to protect fellow Americans; those whose deep sense of American patriotism was strengthened or discovered; and those who prayed for our country then and continue to do so now.

Today I remember September 11, 2001, and am thankful for hope! May God bless America, and may America bless God! I will close with some hopeful quotes.

“Time is passing, yet for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.” (former President George W. Bush)

“September 11, 2001, revealed heroism in ordinary people who might have gone through their lives never called upon to demonstrate the extent of their courage.” (Geraldine Brooks)

“We will win this struggle — not for glory, nor wealth, nor power, but for justice, for freedom, and for peace… so help us God.” (Tom Harkin)

“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” (former President Harry S. Truman)

“Americans never quit.” (General Douglas MacArthur)

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)

Tag: patriotism

100 YEAR OLD VETERANS: FLAGS & HOPE