Protecting Our Innocence: 1776 to 2026
Protecting Our Innocence: 1776 to 2026
by Rod Jones Artist-Writer
“O Say Can You See.” If you are an American, you certainly know this phrase, it becomes especially relevant in this essay.
This is the year America celebrates its 250th anniversary. How did America manage to hold itself together for 250 years? Just about everyone has an opinion on what good and what bad happened on America’s remarkable journey. After all the trials, afflictions, and anguish, the American flag is still proudly and ceremoniously hoisted up the flagpole every day. Not only in front of government buildings and businesses, but you can see the American flag proudly displayed in front of millions of homes all across America.
The question may become why. There are certainly people that are America’s detractors and can be downright hateful, not only around the world, but even its own citizens can be inhumane and vicious when proud Americans show their pride in America.
Fortunately, the good guys, and good gals outnumber America’s detractors. Those proud Americans have lived and died in the profound belief that America was and is “One Nation Under God.” America has always been about freedom. A precious word that has so much meaning attached to it. If you ask most Americans they will unashamedly tell you why they would not want to live under other forms of government. Most Americans play high value on their freedom. The freedom to achieve their honest goals in life, and live and be happy.
Where do proud Americans get their strength?
I would like to say it comes from their religious beliefs. I know that’s not always the case; you don’t have to believe in God to be a proud American. You don’t have to be a proud American to put your life on the line to protect America or its allies. There is an old saying, and I suspect it’s based on truth, and that is.
“ There is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole during combat.” Praying is pretty common in war.
Americans have fought in many wars, and a substantial number of those Americans died, trying to preserve freedom for the people that lived in those countries. Was it worth dying for other people’s freedom? You can come to your own conclusions.
In 1776 the word tyranny was absolutely in active regular use. It was one of the central terms of revolutionary rhetoric. American Patriots used “tyranny” to describe what they saw as systematic unjust, and abuse of power by the British crown and Parliament. You might say that simple but deeply descriptive word led to America being what it is today. America is a land of opportunity where people live free.
Today the free people of America owe their freedom to the Declaration of Independence. And so it began, soon there was the constitution. Then a ratification which led to the Bill of Rights.
America became the land of opportunity. Yes, there were some major challenges along the way, most notably was the Civil War. Where brother fought against brother and countless numbers died. Definitely not America’s finest hour. A deeply troubling time, but through it all America held together and survived.
250 years, almost exactly 91,310 days, America is still standing strong. Throughout the decades, there have been many challenges. Thankfully; through it all there have been great men and women, who fought to keep the flame of freedom burning brightly.
America is America because of its people, those special people that believe in freedom. Those people that understand as Americans they have the right to live and speak as one chooses. Americans have the opportunity to pursue a self directed life within a constitutional system.
Abraham Lincoln quoted The Declaration of Independence often, and paraphrased the Declaration line, “That at all men are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
“O Say Can You See.” The first five words of the Star-Spangled Banner which is America’s national anthem. I like to think those five words also have an alternative meaning.
O Say Can You See, the common thread that has helped America become the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I think I can see. I hope you can see. The word, patriotism and its meaning. American patriotism, it’s the shared loyalty, not to a single leader or tribe, but to a nation under one flag.
I see liberty, which is a cherished freedom that all Americans should hold dearly and close to their hearts.
One nation under God, the formula for protecting our innocence and keeping America real for 250 years, and well beyond.
My stories and essays were written entirely by me, Rod Jones Artist-Writer, with human hand and imagination, no AI assistance, with the exception of some research. Any imperfections in grammar or punctuation are authentically mine.