|
* * * * * *
* * *
Therefore I
exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and
all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and reverence. 1Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)
* * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
Just as the
American flag represents all the freedoms we enjoy as Americans,
the cross stands for all the freedoms we enjoy as Christians.
This weekend we celebrate our nation’s birthday and reflect upon
how God has allowed the sound of freedom to spread across our
nation. I encourage you to reflect upon how God has touched your
life.
The pledge
to the flag first appeared in the magazine “The Youth’s
Companion” on September 8, 1892, as a part of a national
commemoration of the four-hundredth anniversary of Christopher
Columbus’s voyage to the New World. It was widely adopted for
the use in patriotic exercises in schools. At that time it read,
“I pledge allegiance to my flag and the Republic for which it
stands; one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for
all.” IN 1924, the words “the flag of the United States of
America” were substituted for “my flag.” In 1942, United States
government accorded official recognition to the pledge.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower persuaded Congress to add the
phrase “under God” to the pledge in 1954.
I am the
flag of the United States of America
My name is
Olde Glory
I fly atop
the world’s tallest buildings.
I stand
watch in America’s halls of justice.
I fly
majestically over great institutions of learning.
I stand
guard with the greatest military power in the world.
Look up,
and see me!!!!!
I stand for
peace, honor, truth, and justice.
I stand for
FREEDOM!
I am
confident. I am arrogant. I am proud.
When I am
flown with my fellow banners, my head is held a little higher –
my colors an little truer.
I bow to no
one!
I am
recognized the world over.
I am
saluted, I am respected, I am revered, I am loved, and I am
feared.
For more
than 200 years, I have fought in every battle of every war.
I was at
Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, The Trenches of
France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, The Beaches of Normandy, the
Jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Tarawa, Korea, Vietnam, The Persian
Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.
I was in all these places and scores of others.
Long forgotten by all those who were there with me. I
was there. I led Sailors, Marines, Army, and Air Force. I
followed them. I watched over them. They love me.
I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima.
I was dirty, battle torn, and tired, but my troops
cheered me, and I was proud!!!!
I have long been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled
on the streets of the countries that I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am Invincible!!!!!!
I have been soiled, burned, torn, trampled on the
streets of my own country, and when it is done by those whom I
have served in battle, IT HURTS!!!!
But I shall overcome, for I am strong.
I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and from my
vantage point on the moon, I stand watch over the new frontiers
of space.
I have been the silent witness to all of America’s
hours.
I have flown atop the World Trade Centers.
And after September 11, 2001, I have flown over it’s
rubble to remind the eveil in our world that my spirit will
never be crushed!!!!
The American people will not be broken!!!!
But my finest hour comes when I am torn in strips, to
be used as bandages for my wounded soldiers on the field of
battle.
And when I fly at half mast to honor my troops.
And when I lie in the arms of a grieving mother, at
the grave side of her fallen son or daughter.
I AM PROUD!!!
My name is “OLDE GLORY”
Long may I wave, Dear God, long may I wave!!!!
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
AMERICA!!!!
NOTES FROM YOUR CHAPLAIN: NEAL BROWN - SOUTHERN CROSS MINISTRIES, INC. -
PHONE– 861-7298; 858-0976; CELL: 423-421-3402; Email:
pastor@cedarhillbaptist.com NOTE: If you would like
to receive “CHAPLAIN’S NOTES by email, please send me your email
address at the address above and I will gladly forward it to
you.
|
