Memorial Day Musings

Memorial Day celebrations are an awesome reminder of our freedoms and what our country represents to the rest of the world. A reminder of the amazing sacrifice many men and women gave for the life we have now.  When we sing the Star Spangled Banner, we are reminded by the very touching words of Francis Scott Key how precious are freedoms truly are to us. (Especially the last two verses which we rarely sing.)

”On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

“O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

We never hear those words sung at the ballpark and it is a great reminder of what the citizens of this great country should remember. As I read the news of what occurs in other countries, I have asked myself several questions: How can we help our nation stay free? How can the American people do their duty to help the cause of freedom?  One way is to vote!!  This coming election will be an interesting one and we have the opportunity of making our vote count. Our forefathers fought for the opportunity for us to make our voice heard. Remember the importance of the opportunity to vote.

Those living in other countries know what we have here and want to be a part of this freedom. Why else would hundreds of illegal immigrants risk their lives to get over the border? We have a duty to preserve our freedoms and a good way to start is in electing the best person for office in our community.  I’m sure Francis Scott Key would agree.