Tomorrow is the day of gratitude, memories, and hope. Many of us are the children of men and women who believed so strongly in freedom for all; they risked or gave their lives so we could live as we do today.

Many of those very young soldiers who left the comforts of their families would be disappointed in the present state of our union and wonder why they did what they did. They were united and strong, willing and dedicated. They had one purpose: to fight evil to secure freedom for all. Somehow, we have become divided and weak and are all guilty.

I write this as I sit with more comfort and blessings than many people worldwide can imagine. I wonder why and how we got to the point where our spectacular American Flag is seen and used not just for the glorious symbol intended but also for hate, anger, and power.

I don’t get it, and I try. It all makes me very sad. It scares me. I am glad to be old and possibly spared of witnessing the undoing of the peaceful security I have treasured my whole life.

I’m not saying America has no problems—we have significant issues. But the kicker is in the solutions we choose to

solve those problems. For example, when raising kids, do we beat them with a belt, degrade and disgrace them, or spend time to understand, communicate, and teach?

Whether discussing a classroom, church, family, or government, we can buck the system and cause lousy trouble or come together with intelligence and compassion. With the right motives, we could brainstorm, welcome ideas, and work together to prioritize actions that best help us achieve our goals. Right?

The Flag is America’s icon, just as the Cross, Star of David, and angel blowing a trumpet are symbols for different religions. Any of those being destroyed or eliminated would be tragic because each person identifies with the belief represented by the symbol. In contrast, the American Flag flies above and supports everyone—it doesn’t discriminate or destroy. The Flag is the one tangible treasure that hugs all Americans and asks us to respect, protect, and make wise choices for the benefit of each. That’s how and why the Flag was born.

But tomorrow is our old and fashionable Fourth of July. We can dig out our red, white, and blue clothes, decorate our yards, fly our flags, and eat hotdogs with family and friends. Tomorrow, we can pretend all is well and that our grandkids will have the same opportunity when they are grandparents.

For me, tomorrow is a day to ponder the value of the holiday and feel gratitude for our America and her Flag.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

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