American Pride
On Friday, I attended a Veteran’s Day assembly at my daughter’s elementary school. The 4th grade put on a 25-minute assembly where they sang songs titled, “This is America,” “American Tears,” “Mighty United,” and “The Lights of Freedom,” along with the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. They inter-spliced the songs with a catechism of fundamental truths and ideas that our country was founded on and that we strive to live by every day.
This included enumerating our freedoms, values, and individual self-worth.
I wish I would have recorded it, but I was enthralled in the moment. Some examples included:
”I am allowed to have my own opinions without fear”
”I am allowed to have my voice be heard.”
”I am allowed to worship as I see fit.”
It was amazing to watch. I admit I got choked up and saw a few other adults wiping their eyes as well. The fact that the school had taken the time to teach the kids, have them learn the songs, give out speaking parts, practice, and then present this assembly program as a “Thank-You” to the Veterans in the crowd was simply awe-inspiring.
It reminded me of this scene from “The Two Towers” when Sam tells Frodo, “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Fodo, and it’s worth fighting for.”
It was a nice reminder, that while our country is not perfect, it’s pretty good and has provided opportunities to millions to better themselves, and it’s OK to be proud of that and want it to continue on for our children.
The juxtaposition of this celebration of America’s positive traits vs the never-ending rhetoric regarding America’s problems during a multi-year election cycle was stark, and I know I wasn’t the only one who noticed that.
There was a simplicity about it. A beauty in hearing honest truths. A refreshing innocence of hearing the kids describe American ideals. Even if they might not fully understand them yet, or have to fight to preserve them one day, the kids just seemed to know that they were important to learn about.
As a Veteran, and still current service member, this was a gift I truly appreciated. I will remember it far longer than the average handshake or occasional free meal (which I of course still enjoy). Hearing the kids articulate truths, freedoms, and beliefs that I also believe and have fought and sacrificed for was very rewarding. Knowing these ideas are being passed on to the next generation gives me hope. It reminded me a lot of the Army Values I had to recite so often while in basic training years ago.
Loyalty
Duty
Respect
Selfless Service
Honor
Integrity
Personal Courage
Those words mean something to me. While originally they were just words I had to memorize to avoid push-ups, they grew to have a deeper meaning and I have developed a sense of understanding and pride in them. I have absorbed them into my own personal ethos.
Their presentation also reminded me of the first time I ever heard the national anthem after joining the military. The words hit so very differently and far deeper in my heart when I stood in uniform and saluted the flag during the national anthem. It is a privilege and an honor that I don’t take lightly that I was given the opportunity to serve my country.
And while maybe I won’t be able to solve every challenge that America faces. I do know that if I hold onto those fundamental truths, values, and beliefs that the children sang and spoke about today, along with showing kindness to my neighbors, and helping people when I can, then I am confident we’ve got a fighting chance for our great nation to continue to prosper and grow.
And that’s something I’m happy to serve and fight for.
To the kids at Oak Hill Elementary School, I thank you for the precious gift you gave me on Friday.
-Derek
