We live in a great, wonderful country filled with hope, freedom, respect for others and for the rule of law, and offering a system of self government that assures that these virtues will remain for our grandchildren and for their grandchildren. We relish diversity, not for diversity’s sake but because we learn from it as it assimilates into our American culture. And we’re a proud, noble people willing to fight any foe that might challenge our freedoms and way of life.

John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” He couldn’t have imagined that his words would still resonate after four decades. The brave men and women of our armed forces are today fighting to protect the very freedoms we too often take for granted. I think he would be proud.

But this war, the war against terror, is unlike any we’ve fought before. We’re still fighting for our basic freedoms and for democracy, but we’re at war with an evil, fanatical ideology that seeks to conquer and dominate the very underpinnings of our free society. Our enemy doesn’t wear distinctive uniforms and so they are all but impossible to recognize until they fire on us. Yet we’re engaging them on their own turf in a noble effort to spoil their goal of world domination and, perhaps idealistically, provide them an alternative form of government since, clearly, theirs hasn’t worked after thousands of years.

And we’re fighting for independence, our own and for others who seek it. Sure, we argue contentiously amongst ourselves over the cost of resources in both human and economic terms, but we all want what’s best for all concerned. We may not always agree on the best approach, but our beliefs are anchored in moral judgement, in doing what’s right, and from that we never waver. It’s one of the great things about Americans and our form of democratic self government.

My father was a B-29 pilot during WWII and part of what many call “the greatest generation,” willing and eager to defend our freedoms and those of our allies. He taught me and my brothers to respect our flag and our National Anthem, that they are symbolic of the men and women who have fought and died for our country and our way of life. I am immensely proud of his steadfast patriotism.

So when I hear our National Anthem and see our flag pass during a parade, I often think of him. I stand, cover my heart and salute just as he taught me. At 86, he’s still a devoutly proud American…and because of him, so am I.

Remember to check out the other Patriotic Journeyers… JimK, Scott, Larry, Drumwaster, and Cosmicbabe.