America

MY ODE TO AMERICA

I LOVE MY COUNTRY. “I” means this is my experience. “Love” means the same thing as it does with members of my family. My affection continues, no matter what. My love is a loyalty, a commitment. We don’t always agree. But I will give my life for theirs. “My” means this is where I was born. Like anyone living anywhere who roots for their country’s team during the Olympic Games, I chant “U.S.A., U.S.A.!” without reserve. “Country” means 50 states united in purpose, respectful in disagreement, bound by the blood of those who died to give me the opportunity for freedom.

I love my country just as anyone who may take pride in their land of birth. I stand in respect when our national anthem is sung. By doing so I give honor to those who died in service of America. I get a lump in my throat when I hear The Star-Spangled Banner sung. Tears fill my eyes when I see the flag saluted by those in uniform, when I see the flag at half-staff to remember someone’s death, or when I see a folded flag handed to the spouse whose mate gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

The American flag is important, the colors and construction are significant. That field of blue symbolizes vigilance, fairness, perseverance. The red focuses on valor and resilience. The white imagines purity and goodness. 50 stars – one for each state – are combined, representing e pluribus unum “out of the many, one.” Thirteen stripes remember the original thirteen colonies whose stand against injustice from an authoritarian leader began the nation’s history.

That flag was fought for, by the one laid to rest in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His sacrifice stands as representation for the sacrifice of tens of thousands; warriors who have given me my freedom. My freedom comes with responsibility. Liberty lives through sacrifice. I never take my inalienable rights for granted and I never forget those who have sacrificed to make liberty possible.

I am acquainted with enough military history to know of the great sacrifices of our armed forces. Men and women have bled and died on foreign soil so that our enemies could be stopped there, before they come here. The American soldier can be the best friend to the oppressed and the worst nightmare to the oppressor. “These colors don’t run” is the best way to express the red, white, and blue.

Our country is not perfect. None is. The ideal of “liberty and justice for all” has been woefully absent at times and in places for those who needed it most. But the ideal has not wavered. It is what the word “ideal” maintains: this is what we stand for, what we strive for.

When Americans of goodwill see an injustice or a need, they are quick to give of their wealth, blood, and sweat. We are a giving people, not only for our neighbor next door but people around the globe. When a tsunami hit Indonesia, the first relief to be delivered was from the U.S. Navy. When AIDS ravaged Africa, America committed millions of dollars in support. Where there is famine, human trafficking, the need for protection, or refuge from elements or enemies, Americans respond with power, purse, and personal commitment. Americans give because we are grateful, for much has been given to us.

And it is that gratitude that tempers pride of nation with humility. Those who signed The Declaration of Independence, knew they were signing their death warrants, a sacrifice they were willing to make so that their families and the families they would never know, would be free. And we are grateful. The few have given the many the safety of military security, standing against America’s enemies so we can sleep peacefully in our beds. And we are grateful. Entrepreneurs have gone before us to dream, create, and sustain the economic engines of our country. And we are grateful. Religious leaders have called for justice, repentance, and redemption in churches and public spaces to rouse Americans to consider or reconsider their responsibilities to God and man. And we are grateful. Historians continue to add to the stories of great Americans, little known or renown, who have sacrificed time, talent, and treasure for the betterment of their locales. And we are grateful. Homemakers have sustained generations with their cooking and caring for daily needs. And we are grateful. Workers of every kind – blue-collar, white collar, farmer, accountant, doctor, plumber, builder, and banker – have contributed to the growth of American prosperity. And we are grateful. To be proud of one’s country begins with humility since we know what we have, has been given by others.

But humility does not equal servility. Americans do not bow before tyrants. Americans are not conquerors; we leave countries after securing freedoms and ask only small plots of ground to bury our dead. Americans do not look for a fight, but we will rise as one to finish a fight. Americans can withstand the verbal abuse of those who hate us but will defend those very people if their freedoms are assaulted. American strength brings hope to the oppressed and fear to the oppressor. American ideals are sought by many, evidenced by the desire of immigrants who want to become American citizens. Americans know our country is not perfect, but we know it is great, a symbol of hope for freedom-loving people everywhere.

For all it’s faults, we live in the most peaceful, prosperous nation in human history. When I look around the world and see the wonderful cultural heritage of many nations, I revel in the beautiful backgrounds and marvelous people groups around the globe. A good number of those folks want to come here, to America. Why? This country is still seen as the land of opportunity, where dreams can become reality.

And it is in that same spirit that I can say I am proud to be an American. Land of the brave. Home of the free. A Republic, if we can keep it. The future of this nation for our children and grandchildren is up to us. Will we leave them with a full accounting of our past? Will our focus fall on only what went wrong without saying what went right? And if we see grievances to be addressed will we riot to destroy or will we work to build?

But I worry for my country as an educator. I see that a full accounting of American history is often missing from curricula. Students spend little time pondering the great people, speeches, discoveries, or sacrifices made by their ancestors. Students have heard little of the good of our national past, and are often, only shown the bad. If children do not know why their country is important, they will be unwilling to defend it. So, as much as it is up to me as a teacher, I will teach, speak, and write about my country: both its failures and greatness, about all who have contributed, so that those who follow me will know the “Why?” the reason for America.

Many have said this throughout our two and a half centuries of existence, but I will say it again. America is not a perfect place but there has never been another place like it in all human history. Ours has been called “an experiment.” As is true in the science lab, experimentation means an ongoing process. We aren’t done. The next generation has just begun.

– I pen this ode in anticipation of July 4th, 2020, for my family, my neighbors, my fellow Americans

First published on Facebook at 6 a.m. 2 July 2020.

An occasional writing by Dr. Mark Eckel

Picture credits: Luke Renoe