For which it stands

Old Glory. She has a story to tell each time she is hoisted above our heads. America’s history can be found in every stitch that weaves through her colors of red, white and blue. An anthem was written about this star spangled banner that refuses to retreat under the threats of enemies. Enemies far and near. Each morning, for almost one hundred years, before they begin their studies, our children have pledged allegiance to her glory, to the Flag of the United States of America.

Innocent children, some too young to understand, pledge allegiance to a flag that stands for the Republic, and they do so without first judging those who are different in color or creed. A flag that stands for a Republic that from its birth has been one Nation under God. Our children recite an allegiance to a flag that stands for a nation indivisible, while granting all her people the right to differ in opinions and beliefs; differences that cannot damage or divide a united nation.

Old Glory. The Stars and Stripes. She stands for liberty and justice for all.

Shouldn’t we stand for her?

In closing, you probably know that I am a huge sports fan, my favorite being football and the National Football League. But you see, I have enjoyed more than just the game on the field. I listen to the stories told about young boys that came from a life that most of us could never understand. Boys whose life could sadly and truthfully be called oppressed. A life that didn’t have a family. A family that didn’t have a place to call home. A home that had no food on the table most nights of the week. A life that included death waiting on the other side of every dark shadow. A life that they were told was inevitable because of who they were.

But some of these young boys didn’t listen to the naysayers. For some knew being the best at sports would be the only way out of this life. The chance of making it to the NFL or any other major sport was a long shot, but one they knew they must take.

I saw in the NFL a football nation that stood together, united, to bring to you and me, the fans, entertainment, nothing more. I saw a football nation that says come and play with us, without first looking at one’s color or creed. I saw a football nation that says we will begin every game, on every field, by remembering who we are—an indivisible nation with the Star Spangled Banner raised above our heads to remind us that we can cheer and stand as fans because of who we are.

That’s what I use to see.

Stand for your flag. Cheer for your team. And remember.