Red White and Blue, Through and Through

Did you ever see the looks passersby give someone completely decked out in red white and blue when it isn’t a holiday? What about when a car passes with all manner of patriotic bumper stickers and paraphernalia? How about the person whose yard is decked out with r-w-b everything year ‘round? People might say they are kooky. I just think they love the United States of America, and they want the whole world to know it. Who can argue with that?

Perhaps they have served in the military. Perhaps they have a loved one who has served. Perhaps they just happen to like anything that screams America. In the days following September 11^th, American flags flew off the shelves, and banners and signs hung everywhere. It took a national tragedy that ripped our hearts to shreds, but in the aftermath, Americans came together and began showing our true colors – red, white and blue.

Ten years down the road, the flags don’t fly so often. There are fewer dazzling displays of patriotism visible to the eye. Even so, I think that the love of our nation has not cooled. In fact, I hear more and more people speak of the Constitution, argue for our freedoms, and speak of their love for our country. I do see American Flag pins on coats and lapels. I see hands on hearts during the National Anthem and people actually singing it.

Fortunately we live in a land where it is perfectly okay to be different. You are free to jazz your yard up year ‘round with patriotic decorations or not. You may wear an Uncle Sam hat, a tiny flag on your lapel, or nothing that reflects the heart of a patriot. I personally like a few troop support bumper stickers and magnets on my car, but not everyone does. That’s okay. We are free to wear our patriotism like a badge of honor or love our country in quieter ways.

Men and women have died to give us our freedom. Many more have died to preserve liberty and allow us to pursue happiness. Remembering those sacrifices is important. Living well in our free society is the best honor we can bestow on them. Our way of life is a torch that burns brightly for the world to see.

What matters most is that the love of country continues to burn in our hearts. Inside the hearts of true patriots, we are red white and blue, through and through.