Each year on Independence Day, the Fourth of July, Americans celebrate, express their support for the freedoms they enjoy, and recognize the unlimited opportunities afforded them to improve their station in life, because of The Free Enterprise System. The Fourth of July is also an opportunity for each “Patriotic American Citizen” to celebrate a second symbolic birthday.
Countless generations of Americans fought for, and under the American Flag. The American Flag symbolizes the unity of Americans. The “”Flag” is flown on national holidays, above US Federal buildings, on US Military installations, on US Navy ships, over US Embassies & US Missions, by deployed US military units overseas, and by millions of Americans over their residences. The “American Flag” symbolizes the principles upon which the Founding Fathers established the Republic, and collectively signed the Declaration of Independence 241 years ago.
On the Fourth of July, and every day, Americans citizens demonstrate their support for Military Veterans, and members of the US Armed Forces, who raised their right hand, and swore to protect and defend the US Constitution, then gallantly served in the defense of the Republic, under the American Flag.
At one point in their lives, the members of US Armed Forces, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount “up to and including their lives.” The courage demonstrated by Combat Veterans who served in the defense of the Republic, can be appropriately described by a quote, made in 352 BC, by King Philip of Macedonia:
“Here is courage, mankind’s finest possession. Here is the noblest prize.”
Despite the ever present threat from Radical Islamic Terrorist to disrupt Fourth of July celebrations, all Americans should respond to potential threats by flying the American Flag on the Fourth, and by joining with their fellow Americans to celebrate the Fourth of July in the same way they have done in years past.
Joseph R. John, USNA ‘62
Capt., USN(Ret)/Former FBI
San Diego
