Old Glory

While browsing through pictures of the American Flag on the internet, I got to thinking. I began to remember Girls' Camp a couple of years ago -- I think the summer after my junior year in high school. That was one of the most memorable camps because of the things we learned about our country and our flag. Just thinking about it makes my heart burn within me. We are forever indebted to our God, our ancestors, our veterans, the Founding Fathers, and those who continue to defend us for their sacrifices so that we can live free from oppression and anarchy. We are free to worship, be educated, speak our minds, etc. With all our freedoms, we are entrusted with responsibilities. Some words of a song I learned in elementary school come to mind:

"Freedom isn't free.
You've got to pay the price.
You've got to sacrifice.
For your liberty..."

To be free, we must be responsible. America was set up as a republic, which means that our rights are protected by the rule of Law. As we see in history, this form of government only works as long as the people and government follow the Law and take responsibility for their actions.

As I learned at Girls' Camp, the colors of the flag outline the responsibilities we have to defend liberty.

Red is for the sacrifices of our veterans. This Independence Day, as we watch the fireworks, take part in games and fun, visit with family, or even if any happen to participate in a demonstration, think of those who dropped everything, left loved ones and comfort behind, fought and bled, watched their comrades die, and gave their all so that we could do so.

White is for purity. It is up to every one of us to become clean, moral, virtuous, honest, and to serve God so that we can retain our liberty. In the days closely following the American Revolution, mothers were set on a pedestal because they were seen as the protectors of liberty. America's future depended on the children they brought up and taught in virtue, because the responsibility of freedom would lie on their shoulders. This responsibility has been passed down until now, the fate of liberty lies in our hands. Ether 2:12 reads, "Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall posses it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if thy will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written."

This brings us to the starry blue canton that signifies Heaven and God. If we remember and acknowledge that power which inspired our forefathers, gave us our rights and liberty, and has preserved us to this day, we will have His strength with us to protect us.

I will never forget witnessing the retirement of the Colors that chilly night on Kolob. I hope that I will always treat the flag with respect, remember the things it signifies, and live accordingly.

God bless America!