Many of us rarely give much thought to the particular blessings under which we live. We send our children out the door in the morning. We get into our cars and go to work, shop, pay bills, or visit. At the end of the day lights out and we sleep.

Never crossing our minds the idea of Patriotism. We see our American flags flying as usual over the Post office and other Federal buildings and give little thought to what they represent. Do they fly freely as a decoration piece or do they fly for a patriotic purpose?

Our American flag says what needs to be said that words can not express. It represents all our freedoms and rights for all citizens of America. Young children can learn about patriotism when they recite the Pledge of Allegiance and learn what it represents, if taught in schools. When our governing under this flag is questioned and our safety is shattered, young minds challenge and question if there is Patriotism. Do we say nothing or stand by and let the websites filled with hate for America, answer their questions? Are we, the American adults, too busy to display a flag? Are we too busy to talk to our children, our neighbors, our ftiends, and co-workers about Patriotism? With all the negative shouting, that our country is falling apart and that we are weak, are we ignoring this? Do we do nothing to stop the hateful anti-American slander and recruiting of our people?

We stand united against discrimination, hate groups, terrorism and war. We stand together against those who try to take away our freedoms and civil rights. We flay our American flags showing belief in our Nation that is strong and free.

We sing our National Anthem proudly. We stand and take off our hats and place our hand across our hearts. We sing together as our flag flies for our men and women in uniform serving our country to keep us safe and free. We sing loudly for those who serve us daily in our streets, in our hospitals, in our schools, in our factors and fields and in our government.

When we drive through our towns and cities and see the American flags flying we know that Patriotism is alive and growing. Every image is saying, “We are together, we are proud, and we love America.

Hopefully Patriotism is not fading and it will be along time before any of us forgets the fellowship and the privileges of sharing the blessings of freedom and peace. Teach our children, respect each others and honor our nation. Fly your American Flag.

Jeannie Sieck lives in Toledo